Four Super Eagles players are one booking away from suspension ahead of Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are all on yellow cards and risk missing Nigeria’s Round of 16 fixture if cautioned again on Tuesday.
The quartet picked up bookings during Nigeria’s group-stage outings — three in the 1–0 win over Tunisia on December 27 and one in the opening match against Tanzania.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s talismanic striker, was booked after scoring the winning goal against Tunisia for gesturing towards the Tunisian bench. Another caution against Uganda would rule him out of the knockout stage, a scenario that could force head coach Éric Chelle to consider starting Paul Onuachu to protect his star forward.
Lookman, who has found the net in both of Nigeria’s AFCON matches so far, was booked against Tanzania and is also walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Defender Semi Ajayi received a yellow card in the 56th minute against Tunisia for a cynical foul. His situation may prompt Chelle to explore defensive alternatives, including the possible deployment of Zaidu Sanusi.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was cautioned for time-wasting in the Tunisia match, leaving him equally vulnerable to suspension. Francis Uzoho remains on standby should the need arise.
With qualification momentum on their side, Nigeria must balance intensity with discipline against Uganda to avoid costly suspensions ahead of the knockout rounds.
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