The Super Eagles received a cautious fitness boost on Monday as captain Wilfred Ndidi was confirmed to be walking without pain following the hamstring strain he sustained during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final encounter.
Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles Media Officer, disclosed this saying early signs around Ndidi’s recovery were encouraging, though further assessment would still be carried out.
“Wilfred Ndidi is now walking without pain, which is a positive sign for us,” Efoghe said.
He explained that the medical team would re-evaluate the midfielder on Tuesday to determine whether a scan would be required, adding that initial indications suggested the injury might not be serious.
Efoghe, however, confirmed that Ndidi would miss Nigeria’s semi-final clash against hosts Morocco due to suspension, having accumulated yellow cards in the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches.
“Even with the improvement we are seeing, Ndidi is unavailable for the semi-final because of suspension.
“Our focus is on ensuring he recovers fully and is available for the remainder of the tournament,” he said.
The media officer also provided an update on defender Ryan Alebiosu, noting that the player was making steady progress.
“Ryan Alebiosu continues to improve and is responding well to treatment. The technical and medical teams are monitoring his progress closely,” Efoghe added.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles returned to their base in Fès at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday from Marrakech, where they defeated Algeria 2-0 at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
The team held a recovery session later in the evening at the Saardienne Football Complex in Fès as preparations intensified for the semi-final showdown.
“The team travelled well and the mood in camp is very positive,” Efoghe said, adding that recovery remained the immediate priority ahead of a demanding fixture.
Nigeria’s victory over Algeria set up a high-profile semi-final clash with tournament hosts Morocco, scheduled for Rabat on Tuesday, with kick-off at 8 p.m. (Nigerian time).
Morocco, who are chasing their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years, booked their place in the last four with a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat.