The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a stern warning to Nigeria's national team, placing three key Super Eagles players on a disciplinary watchlist. This development comes just before their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash against Algeria in Morocco.
Three Eagles Walking a Tightrope
The Nigerian squad, which progressed to the last eight after a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday, January 5, 2026, now faces a significant selection headache. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Frank Onyeka, and defender Calvin Bassey are all one yellow card away from missing a potential semifinal match.
During the Round of 16 match at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, Ndidi received Nigeria's first booking in the 38th minute for an elbow. Onyeka was cautioned later for unnecessary contact, while Bassey saw yellow in stoppage time for a tactical foul to stop a Mozambican counter-attack.
According to CAF competition rules, any player who picks up a yellow card in the Round of 16 and another in the quarterfinals will be automatically suspended for the next match. This puts immense pressure on the trio to maintain composure against a physical Algerian side.
Osimhen's Discipline Also Under Scrutiny
While not on the suspension watchlist, star striker Victor Osimhen's conduct has also drawn attention from analysts and fans. The Galatasaray forward was booked in Nigeria's group stage match against Tunisia for provoking the opposition bench after a goal celebration.
His on-field behavior was again questioned during the Mozambique game when he appeared to have a heated exchange with teammate Ademola Lookman after failing to pass the ball. Veteran pundit Segun Agbede has publicly blamed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for not sanctioning Osimhen earlier for past indiscipline, including an alleged disrespect toward former coach Finidi George.
Journalist Calls for Maximum Focus
Nigerian sports journalist Abdul Momoh has appealed to the team for discipline ahead of the high-stakes encounter. In an exclusive comment, Momoh emphasized that the Super Eagles cannot afford to lose any key player from their starting lineup.
"Coach Eric [Chelle] has found a way of transforming the team within a year," Momoh stated. "The players must remain focused and disciplined; we cannot afford to miss any member of the squad. Calvin Bassey is currently one of our most reliable defenders, while the duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka have stabilized the midfield."
The Super Eagles have been impressive in the tournament so far, maintaining an unbeaten run. They have scored 12 goals in four matches, conceding only four, with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique. The team will need all its key components available as they aim for a fourth AFCON title against the formidable Desert Foxes of Algeria.
