Eric Chelle addresses Wilfred Ndidi blow ahead of Morocco clash

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Chelle on Ndidi absence for crucial Morocco tie

Photo: Wilfred Ndidi

Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle has addressed Wilfred Ndidi's absence for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash against hosts Morocco on Wednesday, 14 January.

The 29-year-old dynamic midfielder received two yellow cards in the knockout stages against Mozambique and Algeria, respectively, and will be serving suspension against the Atlas Lions.

When quizzed on Ndidi's suspension, the French-Malian tactician acknowledged the skipper's absence is a big blow for his team, but exuded confidence that his replacements will step up.

“I'm disappointed for him because he brings so much for the team but we are a group, there are some very good players who are waiting for a chance to show something that they can bring us,” said Chelle in the pre-match press conference.

"So, I'm very confident about that [dealing with Ndidi's absence]. I Just have to do a choice between some players and everything will be fine.

On suggestions that Morocco are the first tough opponents the Super Eagles will face at the ongoing continental showpiece, Chelle shrugged off the claims, stating that every match is high-stakes.

“Algeria was the biggest test, Morocco is the biggest test, every game is the biggest test for this team because the expectation is so big. So, we are ready for this game, for all of these games that we play in this tournament,” he added.

"We try to play every game like the last and we will give everything and we gave everything. So, now, I have to check my players how they are physically because we played two days before, so we have to rest and after I will judge how is my team and we can think about the game plan.

The winner between Nigeria and Morocco will lock horns with either record seven-time African champions Egypt or Senegal in the final.