The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured a significant psychological and physical lift with positive injury updates regarding key personnel as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. According to official reports from the Nigerian camp in Morocco, both captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Ryan Alebiosu are showing encouraging signs of recovery.
These developments come at a critical juncture as the three-time African champions intensify their tactical preparations to face the tournament hosts in a bid to reach the grand finale.
Medical reports indicate that Ryan Alebiosu is making rapid strides toward a full return to competitive action. The dynamic defender continues to follow a specialized rehabilitation program under the close supervision of the team’s medical experts, who have noted a marked improvement in his physical condition. Staff members are carefully monitoring his progress during the final training sessions in Rabat to determine his readiness for match-day involvement against the Atlas Lions.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi is also experiencing a favorable recovery path after sustaining a hamstring strain during the quarter-final victory over Algeria. The veteran midfielder, who currently plies his trade with Besiktas, is now walking without discomfort, suggesting that the initial fears of a tournament-ending injury were premature. While the absence of pain provides a massive boost to the squad’s morale, the medical team will continue to manage his workload to ensure he remains available for the final stages of the competition.
However, despite his physical improvement, Wilfred Ndidi will definitely miss the semi-final encounter against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14. The captain’s absence stems from a mandatory one-match suspension after he accumulated yellow cards in previous rounds of the tournament. The coaching staff must now identify a tactical replacement to anchor the midfield in Rabat, though Ndidi will remain eligible for the final should Nigeria progress past the host nation.
The Super Eagles enter this high-stakes fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with a perfect record in the 2025 edition, having won every match leading up to the final four. Manager Éric Chelle has emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum against a Moroccan side that enjoys fervent home support. Nigeria aims to secure its fourth continental title, and the return of fitness for Alebiosu and the positive prognosis for Ndidi provide the technical crew with much-needed depth as the tournament reaches its business end.