Eric Chelle Confident Super Eagles Can Cope Without Ndidi
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence that his team can manage without captain Wilfred Ndidi ahead of their AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against Morocco.
Ndidi has been one of Nigeria’s key players at the tournament in Morocco. The Besiktas midfielder has combined his role as captain with strong performances in midfield, starting four matches and dominating play in each of them.
However, Nigeria will be without Ndidi when they face the hosts on Wednesday. The 29-year-old is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria. It was his second booking of the knockout stage, which means he must miss one match.
The timing of the suspension is unfortunate, as Morocco have been one of the standout teams at the competition.
Despite this, Chelle believes the Super Eagles have enough depth to cope with Ndidi’s absence and that other players are ready to step up.
“I am disappointed for him because he brings so much for the team. But we are a group, and every player is waiting for a chance to show something for us. I’m very confident. I have to choose his replacement, and everything will be fine,” Chelle said.
Raphael Onyedika is expected to replace Ndidi in midfield. The Club Brugge player has already stepped in for the captain earlier in the tournament and is familiar with the role.
Onyedika has shown that he can handle responsibility at this level and has already scored twice at AFCON 2025. The semi-final against Morocco offers him a big chance to prove his quality and could be a turning point in his international career as Nigeria push for a place in the final.
