Osimhen Named Captain as Super Eagles Gear Up for Moroccan Semi-Final

The weight of a nation’s expectations has officially shifted to the shoulders of Victor Osimhen, as the Napoli striker prepares to captain Nigeria in a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco. The decision comes following the suspension of regular skipper Wilfred Ndidi, whose accumulation of yellow cards in the knockout stages has forced him to the sidelines for this blockbuster encounter. For Osimhen, the armband is not merely a symbolic gesture but a call to lead an offensive juggernaut that has become the talk of the tournament.

Nigeria’s path to the final four has been paved with goals and a relentless attacking flair that has silenced critics following their recent World Cup qualification disappointment. The Super Eagles secured their semi-final berth with a clinical 2-0 demolition of Algeria, a match where Osimhen once again proved his world-class credentials by both finding the net and providing a crucial assist. This performance solidified Nigeria’s status as the most potent team in the competition, boasting a remarkable tally of fourteen goals.

The loss of Ndidi, however, presents a significant tactical hurdle for head coach José Peseiro. The Leicester City midfielder was cautioned during the Round of 16 victory over Mozambique and received a second yellow in the intense quarter-final clash against Tunisia. While his defensive presence in the middle of the park will be missed, the elevation of Osimhen to the captaincy is expected to galvanize a squad that is playing with a palpable sense of “points to prove” on the continental stage.

Outside of the Nigerian camp, the Super Eagles have found an unlikely vocal supporter in South African forward Zakhele Lepasa. Speaking on SABC News, Lepasa labeled Nigeria as the undisputed favorites, noting that their current form is a direct response to the “embarrassment” of missing out on the 2026 World Cup. According to Lepasa, the sheer individual brilliance of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman creates a defensive nightmare that no remaining team in the tournament—including the host nation—is equipped to handle.

Lepasa’s analysis highlighted a key disparity between the two semi-finalists: the diversity of their attacking threats. While Morocco has ridden the wave of home support and the sensational form of Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, who has accounted for five of their nine goals, Nigeria’s threat is multifaceted. With Osimhen on four goals and Lookman on three, supplemented by contributions from across the forward line, the Super Eagles do not rely on a single focal point to break down opposition defenses.

The South African star also cast doubt on the legitimacy of Morocco’s run, questioning if the Atlas Lions have truly been tested by a top-tier opponent. He pointed out that while Morocco has benefited from favorable VAR decisions and the energy of their home fans, their defensive structure has yet to face the sustained pressure of a high-intensity transition attack like Nigeria’s. For Morocco, the challenge will be containing a strike force that is currently operating at the peak of its powers.

Inside the Super Eagles’ camp, the mood is one of quiet determination. Osimhen is no stranger to the leadership role, having previously led the side during their final group stage match against Uganda. His elevation to full-time captain for this fixture is seen as a natural progression for a player who has become the emotional heartbeat of the team. As the “African Footballer of the Year,” his presence on the pitch carries a psychological weight that often forces opposition defenders into deeper, more cautious positions.

As the continent prepares for what many are calling a “final before the final,” the narrative of the 2025 AFCON continues to evolve. Nigeria is no longer just a participant; they are the hunters looking to reclaim their throne. With Osimhen leading the charge and a point to prove to the global football community, the Super Eagles appear ready to crash the Moroccan party and secure their place in the tournament’s ultimate showpiece.

The stakes could not be higher for both nations. For Morocco, it is a chance to validate their status as a global football power on home soil. For Nigeria, it is a chance for redemption and a reminder that, despite their World Cup absence, they remain the kings of the continent. All eyes now turn to the stadium in Rabat, where Victor Osimhen will lead his team out, carrying the hopes of 200 million people on his sleeve.