Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui  has highlighted the danger posed by Nigeria's attacking players, naming Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as key threats ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash on Wednesday.

Speaking at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Regragui admitted he was relieved that influential Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will be unavailable for selection due to suspension.

The Super Eagles captain will miss Wednesday's semifinal in Rabat after receiving cautions in the knockout matches against Mozambique and Algeria.

Osimhen and Lookman have been involved in thirteen of the fourteen goals scored by the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Atalanta striker directly contributing to seven goals, one more than the Galatasaray forward.

Although Iwobi has registered just two assists, his composure and vision in midfield have been crucial, with the Fulham man heavily involved in the build-up to most of Nigeria's goals.

"Ndidi's absence will help us, but when you have Osimhen, Lookman, and Iwobi, and when you see their bench, they might change their plan, although I consider that unlikely," Regragui told reporters. 

"We need to concentrate and win our duels, and not retreat like we did against Cameroon, because they could punish us. 

"In the second half, we need to raise our level so as not to let Nigeria breathe and get back into the game or maintain their technical strength."

Against Morocco, Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is expected to make his second start of the tournament, stepping in for the suspended Ndidi.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel