Four members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles are walking a disciplinary tightrope as they head into Tuesday’s AFCON 2025 Group C match against Uganda, with the threat of suspension hanging over them.
The situation arises from yellow cards picked up during the group stage, with three cautions issued in the 1–0 win over Tunisia on December 27 and another in the opening fixture against Tanzania.
Those affected are Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Any additional booking against Uganda would see the players miss Nigeria’s Round of 16 match.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s leading striker, was booked after scoring the opening goal against Tunisia for making a gesture towards the opposing bench. A further caution would rule him out of the knockout phase, a development that could force head coach Eric Chelle to consider handing a starting role to Paul Onuachu to protect his key attacker.
Lookman, who has found the net in both of Nigeria’s group matches, was cautioned in the opening game against Tanzania and is also one booking away from suspension.
Defender Semi Ajayi, shown a yellow card in the 56th minute for a late challenge, faces a similar risk, which may prompt Chelle to explore alternative defensive options, including the possible use of Zaidu Sanusi.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was booked for time-wasting against Tunisia and would likewise be suspended with another caution. Francis Uzoho is on standby should a change be required between the posts.
