Super Eagles: Chelle reveals why Onyedika struggled in Ndidi’s absence vs Morocco

Super Eagles: Chelle reveals why Onyedika struggled in Ndidi’s absence vs Morocco

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed why Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika struggled in Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semi-final against Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ndidi started the first two group games for Nigeria at the AFCON 2025 tournament, while Onyedika came in for the final group game against Uganda.

The Club Brugge midfielder took his chance, scoring a brace against the Ugandans as Nigeria cruised into the knockout stages with a 100% record.

Ndidi came into the mix for the knockout stages, but an accumulation of yellow cards saw the Super Eagles captain suspended for the semi-final against Morocco.

Onyedika replaced the ex-Leicester City man in the starting lineup, but struggled to match the intensity of the matchup against the host nation.

The 24-year-old picked up a yellow card before he was withdrawn in the 83rd minute, replaced by Moses Simon.

The Super Eagles held on to the game until the penalty shoot-out. Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed from twelve yards to send Morocco to the final.

Onyedika was in a transfer tussle between two clubs – Galatasaray and Aston Villa during the winter transfer window, but Club Brugge were unwilling to sanction a move.