Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi has handed his country an injury boost despite suffering a hamstring issue.
The Besiktas midfielder picked up an injury in the quarter-final victory over Algeria, but will miss the semi-final with hosts Morocco regardless.
Ndidi faces a suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the knockout stages in the previous round.
Nigeria finished as runners-up two years ago and will be hoping to go one better this time around despite their squad value decreasing.
Nigeria Handed AFCON Injury Update
If the Super Eagles upset the odds and knock out tournament favourites Morocco on Wednesday, Nigeria chiefs are hopeful that Ndidi could be back for the final.
Promise Efoghe, Nigeria’s Media Officer, said the player was pain-free, but they still had to undergo another test to determine the severity of the issue.
He said: “Wilfred Ndidi is now walking without pain, which is a positive sign for us.
“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.”
Right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who plays for Birmingham City, remains doubtful after sustaining an injury against Morocco.
His absence would be a blow for the 2013 winners, who have kept back-to-back clean sheets after conceding four goals across their three group games.
Nigeria Under Investigation
The Confederation of African Football have confirmed on Monday that they have opened an investigation and have warned of disciplinary action following Nigeria’s victory over Algeria.
Tempers flared, and players clashed at the end of the contest as coaches from both sides made their way onto the pitch.
Referee Issa Sy was also hounded by members of the Algerian delegation, and the officials had to be escorted into the dressing room.
African football’s governing body said in a statement: “CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing.”
Ugly scenes at the end of Algeria vs Nigeria
Several scuffles between players, it looked like the fans tried to breach the stands and get to the pitch
Referee Issa Sy also hounded by members of the Algerian delegation pic.twitter.com/5XP2jhAC87
— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) January 10, 2026
Victor Boniface Promise
Injured Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is playing his part in AFCON, after promising to buy his fellow compatriots a Mercedes G Wagon.
Following the victory over Algeria, the Bayer Leverkusen striker wrote on social media: “For the good game today, I promise all the players 1 G wagon each.”
The prices of G-Wagons vary; however, they are likely to be in the region of £150,000 each, which means Boniface may potentially have to fork out around £4.2million if he sticks to his word.
That would be the cost of purchasing 28 cars, one for each member representing Nigeria at this year’s tournament.
