By Joke Kujenya
ATTENTION HAS turned to key individual battles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal as Morocco coach Walid Regragui highlighted three Nigeria players while addressing the absence of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Regragui singled out Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi for praise ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal clash between Morocco and Nigeria.
The Morocco coach spoke while commenting on Ndidi’s unavailability for the crucial fixture. Ndidi will miss the semifinal against the Atlas Lions due to suspension.
Nigeria is expected to make changes in midfield as a result of the absence, with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expected to replace Ndidi in the Super Eagles starting line-up against the host nation.
Regragui addressed the situation while speaking to reporters during his post-match interview and said Ndidi’s suspension could work in Morocco’s favour.
“Ndidi’s absence will help us,” Regragui said.
He, however, pointed to the strength of Nigeria’s attacking options and depth within the squad despite the suspension.
“But when you have Osimhen, Lookman, and Iwobi, and when you see their bench, they might change their plan, although I consider that unlikely,” he said.
