Super Eagles Gear Up for Semi-Final Face-Off with Host Nation Morocco (AFCON)

Nigeria and Morocco will lock horns on Wednesday night in Rabat, with a coveted spot in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hanging in the balance.

The Super Eagles head into the semi-final brimming with confidence after a flawless run through the tournament, winning all five of their matches so far. Their perfect record, however, will be severely tested by a Moroccan side riding the wave of home support and an impressive unbeaten streak.

Under the guidance of coach Éric Chelle, Nigeria have blended attacking firepower with tactical organisation, netting 14 goals on their march to the last four. Their commanding 2–0 quarter-final triumph over Algeria underlined their credentials as one of the competition’s standout teams and evoked memories of Nigeria’s most dominant AFCON campaigns.

Victor Osimhen has once again led the line with authority, while Ademola Lookman has provided both goals and creativity from wide areas. Between them, the pair have contributed seven goals, with Lookman also emerging as the tournament’s leading provider.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi has dictated the tempo and offered composure, ensuring balance between defence and attack.

Nigeria will, however, be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the competition. Raphael Onyedika is expected to step into the role.

For Morocco, the semi-final represents a golden opportunity to chase only their second AFCON crown since their historic triumph in 1976. Playing on home soil, the Atlas Lions carry the weight of expectation but have shown resilience and consistency throughout the tournament.

Much of their attacking threat will rest on Brahim Díaz, the competition’s top scorer with five goals, while full-back Achraf Hakimi has been influential on both ends of the pitch, offering speed, width and defensive solidity.

With a capacity crowd anticipated at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco will hope the backing of their fans provides the decisive edge against Nigeria’s formidable attack.

Previous meetings give Morocco a slight historical advantage, having won three of their five AFCON clashes with Nigeria. The North Africans recorded two victories during the 1976 edition and edged the Super Eagles 1–0 in their most recent AFCON encounter in 2004.

Match Details

Fixture: Nigeria vs Morocco
Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: Wednesday, January 14, 9:00pm (WAT)

With both sides carrying momentum and boasting proven match-winners, Wednesday’s showdown promises a tense and fiercely fought contest, as Nigeria chase another chance at continental glory and Morocco aim to transform home advantage into a landmark achievement.