Nigeria are sweating on the fitness of Bright Osayi-Samuel ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco.
Osayi-Samuel has been a near ever-present for Nigeria at this year’s AFCON, with the dead-rubber group stage win over Uganda being the only game he’s not featured in.
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However, his participation for Wednesday’s last-four meeting is in doubt after limping off late on during the Super Eagles’ quarter-final win over Algeria at the weekend.
Igoh Ogbu replaced Osayi-Samuel in stoppage-time on Saturday and is on standby to make his second start of the tournament as Ryan Alebiosu – the natural back-up right-back option – is too a doubt after not making any of the matchday squads for the knockout phase.
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Doubtful: Bright Osayi-Samuel (AFP via Getty Images)
Nigeria will certainly be without captain Wilfred Ndidi for the semi-final showdown. The midfielder is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the AFCON knockout phase in the win over Algeria.
Ndidi was booked for time-wasting prior to being substituted as he picked up a knock that would have placed his involvement against the host nation in doubt regardless.
Eric Chelle is expected to name Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as the replacement for Ndidi, while Victor Osimhen could be handed the captain’s armband as he leads the line with Akor Adams.
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Predicted Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Injured: Dessers
Doubts: Osayi-Samuel, Alebiosu
Suspended: Ndidi
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 14, 2026
How to watch: E4
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium