Super Eagles Stars Risk Missing Round of 16 If Booked in Group Finale.

Osimhen Lookman Nwabali suspension AFCON 2025

Four pivotal Super Eagles players – Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, and Semi Ajayi – are walking a disciplinary tightrope heading into Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda at AFCON 2025.

Under CAF rules, two yellow cards in the group stage result in a one-match ban, which would rule them out of the Round of 16. With Nigeria already qualified as group winners, head coach Eric Chelle faces a selection dilemma for the December 30 clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès (5pm Nigeria time).

Breakdown of bookings:

  • Ademola Lookman: Yellow in the opener vs Tanzania.
  • Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali: All cautioned in the thrilling 3-2 win over Tunisia (Osimhen around the 44th minute after his goal, Nwabali in stoppage time).

Chelle has already hinted at rotation to manage fatigue and risks, prioritizing freshness for the knockouts. Resting these stars could preserve Nigeria’s full-strength squad for the last 16, where the Super Eagles aim to build on their perfect six points and push for a fourth title.

Uganda, needing a win for faint progression hopes, won’t make it easy but caution may define Nigeria’s approach. The Super Eagles fly high, but disciplinary discipline is key.