Bright Osayi-Samuel has handed Nigeria a huge fitness boost ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco.
Osayi-Samuel has been a near ever-present for Nigeria at this year’s AFCON, with the dead-rubber group stage win over Uganda being the only game he’s not featured in.
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However, his participation for Wednesday’s last-four meeting was in doubt after limping off late on during the Super Eagles’ quarter-final win over Algeria at the weekend.
Clarifying his substitution, Osayi-Samuel reassured supporters that he was suffering from cramp and keeps his place at right-back.
"No, I had cramps,” he told reporters. “My toes were cold and I couldn’t move them, but I’ll be fine, absolutely fine.”
Nigeria are without captain Wilfred Ndidi for the semi-final showdown. The midfielder is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the AFCON knockout phase in the win over Algeria.
Ndidi was booked for time-wasting prior to being substituted as he picked up a knock that would have placed his involvement against the host nation in doubt regardless.
Eric Chelle has named Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as the replacement for Ndidi, while Victor Osimhen has been handed the captain’s armband as he leads the line with Akor Adams.
Starting Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Subs: Uzoho, Simon, Awaziem, Mohammed, Ejuke, Nnadi, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze, Akinsanmiro, Sanusi, Ogbu, Lawal, Obasogie, Onuachu
Injured: Dessers, Alebiosu
Suspended: Ndidi
Time and date: 8pm GMT today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026
How to watch: E4
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
