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Four Super Eagles players face the risk of suspension ahead of Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Group C match against Uganda, with another yellow card set to rule them out.
The warning follows bookings issued in Nigeria’s opening two group matches, three during the 3-2 win over Tunisia on December 27 and one in the opener against Tanzania.
The players at risk are Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Any further caution would rule them out of Nigeria’s Round of 16 fixture.
Osimhen, the team’s leading striker, was booked after scoring the opening goal against Tunisia for gesturing toward the Tunisian bench.
Another yellow card against Uganda would force him to miss the knockout stage, a scenario that could prompt head coach Eric Chelle to consider starting Paul Onuachu to protect his key forward.
Lookman, who has scored in both of Nigeria’s AFCON matches so far, was cautioned in the opening group game against Tanzania and also faces the threat of suspension.
Defender Semi Ajayi, booked in the 56th minute against Tunisia for a cynical foul, is similarly at risk, which could see Chelle explore options such as deploying Zaidu Sanusi in defence.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was shown a yellow card for time-wasting against Tunisia. Another booking would sideline him for the Round of 16, with Francis Uzoho on standby as cover.
