CAF Rules Put Bassey, Ndidi And Onyeka On Suspension Alert

CAF Rules Put Bassey, Ndidi And Onyeka On Suspension Alert

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles could be without key players Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka later in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should they receive further disciplinary sanctions in their quarterfinal fixture, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The trio were all booked during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 encounter. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Frank Onyeka and defender Calvin Bassey each picked up yellow cards in the match, placing them one caution away from suspension.

Nigeria sealed the win with a dominant attacking display, as Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Man of the Match Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams added one goal apiece to send the three-time African champions into the last eight.

According to CAF disciplinary regulations, a player who receives a yellow card in the Round of 16 and is subsequently cautioned again in the quarterfinal will be automatically suspended for the following match. As a result, any of the three players booked in the quarterfinal would be ruled out of a potential semifinal clash.

With the competition entering its decisive phase, the Super Eagles will be keen to balance intensity with discipline when they take to the pitch on January 10, 2026, at the Marrakech Stadium.

Nigeria are still awaiting confirmation of their quarterfinal opponents, who will be determined by the outcome of the clash between Algeria and DR Congo.