Nigeria and Morocco will clash in a high-stakes semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when both sides meet in Rabat on Wednesday night, with a place in the final at stake.
The Super Eagles have reached the last four in impressive fashion, winning all five of their matches so far in the tournament. Under coach Éric Chelle, Nigeria have combined attacking flair with tactical discipline, scoring 14 goals en route to the semi-finals.
Nigeria booked their place with a 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, a result that underlined their status as one of the tournament’s most convincing teams. Victor Osimhen has led the attack, supported by Ademola Lookman, with the pair accounting for seven goals between them. Lookman also leads the assist chart, while Alex Iwobi has been influential in midfield, providing balance and control.
However, the Super Eagles will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament. Raphael Onyedika is expected to deputise in midfield.
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Hosts Morocco, backed by a vociferous home crowd, are chasing only their second AFCON title since lifting the trophy in 1976. The Atlas Lions have been solid throughout the competition and will look to key players such as Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, and Achraf Hakimi, whose pace and versatility have been crucial.
History slightly favours Morocco, who have won three of their five AFCON meetings with Nigeria. The North Africans defeated the Super Eagles twice during the 1976 tournament and claimed a 1–0 win in their most recent AFCON encounter in 2004.
The semi-final will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm (WAT). With both teams in strong form and boasting several match-winners, the encounter is expected to be fiercely contested as Nigeria chase another continental crown and Morocco seek to capitalise on home advantage.