Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has acknowledged that the absence of Wilfred Ndidi could work in his team’s favour as they prepare to face the Super Eagles in a high-stakes semi-final clash.

The Super Eagles skipper has been suspended for the crucial encounter after picking up two yellow cards in Nigeria’s last two matches against Mozambique and Algeria.

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is expected to replace the former Leicester City midfielder in the starting lineup for Eric Chelle’s side.

Speaking ahead of the mammoth clash in Rabat, Regragui stated that Ndidi’s absence would be beneficial to his team.

The 50-year-old, however, highlighted the importance of the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi to Eric Chelle’s squad.

“Ndidi’s absence will help us.

“But when you have Osimhen, Lookman and Iwobi, and when you look at their bench, they might change their plan, although I consider that unlikely,” Regragui said.

Egypt and Senegal will lock horns in the other semi-final clash later today, Wednesday, January 14.

WDN