Nigeria’s national team faces a significant disciplinary challenge as four key players risk missing the upcoming knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Star striker Victor Osimhen, prolific winger Ademola Lookman, dependable defender Semi Ajayi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali currently carry yellow cards into Tuesday’s final Group C fixture against Uganda.
Under CAF regulations, another booking for any of these individuals during the match at the Fez Stadium would trigger an automatic one-match suspension, effectively ruling them out of the Round of 16.
The caution for Victor Osimhen remains a point of contention after he received a yellow card during the 3–2 victory over Tunisia for an exuberant celebration directed at the opposition bench. With Nigeria already securing qualification for the next round, head coach Éric Chelle must decide whether to bench his talisman in favor of Paul Onuachu to preserve Osimhen’s availability for the elimination phase. Similarly, Ademola Lookman, who has found the net in both of Nigeria’s opening fixtures, remains vulnerable after picking up a booking during the Super Eagles’ initial win over Tanzania.
Defensive stability also hangs in the balance, as Semi Ajayi’s cynical foul in the 56th minute of the Tunisia game placed him on the verge of a ban. Should Chelle choose to protect Ajayi, tactical shifts may include deploying Zaidu Sanusi at full-back to allow for defensive restructuring.
Between the posts, Stanley Nwabali’s caution for time-wasting during the closing stages of the last match has forced a rethink of the goalkeeping selection. Francis Uzoho remains on high alert and has spent the week preparing to step in should the coaching staff decide to minimize the risk of a Nwabali suspension.
The Super Eagles enter the Tuesday evening matchup with six points, sitting comfortably at the summit of Group C. While the team aims to maintain its perfect record in Morocco, the looming threat of disciplinary sanctions against the backbone of the squad presents a tactical dilemma for the technical crew. Coach Chelle’s selection for the Uganda game will likely prioritize strategic preservation over the pursuit of a dead-rubber victory as Nigeria prepares for its quest to reclaim the continental title.
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