The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face host nation Morocco in a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash on Wednesday at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Both sides have advanced to the last four with impressive performances, but this match promises to be the stiffest test either team has faced so far.
Morocco will lean on the passionate support of 68,000 home fans, while Nigeria will look to their dynamic attack to secure a place in the final.
This semi-final is one of the tournament’s marquee matchups, featuring some of Africa’s most celebrated talents, including recent CAF Player of the Year winners Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Achraf Hakimi.
Tournament Journey
Nigeria’s rise has been one of the standout stories of the tournament. After missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a play-off loss to DR Congo in November, the West Africans have responded with attacking brilliance under Malian coach Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3-2 victory against Tunisia to secure early progression.
Squad rotation saw them beat Uganda 3-1 in the final group stage match before a dominant 4-0 win against Mozambique in the round of 16. They then knocked out one of the tournament favourites, Algeria, with a convincing 2-0 quarter-final win.
Chelle’s team leads the AFCON scoring charts with 14 goals from five matches, while conceding only four and keeping two clean sheets.
The attack is spearheaded by Osimhen, Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, supported by Akor Adams, with midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi providing leadership and stability, along with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Historically, Nigeria and Morocco have clashed 11 times since 1969, with Morocco holding a slight edge, six wins to Nigeria’s four, plus one draw.
Recent encounters have favoured Morocco, who have won five of the last six matches, including a 4-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2018 African Nations Championship.
Morocco’s Road to the Semi-Finals
Hosts Morocco topped Group A with seven points, defeating Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0) and drawing against Mali (1-1). Under Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have combined disciplined defence with sharp attacking transitions.
In the knockout stages, Morocco overcame Cameroon 2-0, with Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz scoring the opener and Ismael Saibari adding a second.
The win kept Morocco unbeaten in open play and highlighted their ability to manage high-pressure matches with tactical discipline.
This is Morocco’s fifth AFCON semi-final and their most promising campaign since 2004. A win could see them reach their third senior CAF final within a year.
Diaz, who has scored in each of his five matches, and captain Hakimi are key figures for the hosts, while injuries to Azzedine Ounahi and Romain Saiss remain concerns.
Team News
Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi due to suspension, with Raphael Onyedika expected to step in.
Bright Osayi-Samuel remains a fitness doubt after leaving the Algeria match early, and Cyriel Dessers is sidelined with a thigh injury. Despite this, Bassey and Iwobi have been standout performers, anchoring the defence and midfield, while the attack trio of Lookman, Adams, and Osimhen remains potent.
Morocco welcome back Hakimi, with Diaz, Saibari, and Ezzalzouli expected to lead the charge against Nigeria.
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
The Super Eagles have been relentless in attack and have shown they can overcome any challenge. While Morocco will be formidable on home soil, Nigeria’s attacking prowess and depth across the pitch could see them pull off a surprise and advance to their second consecutive AFCON final.
