Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
This is one of two blockbuster semi-finals, featuring some of the continent’s finest players, including recent CAF Player of the Year winners Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Achraf Hakimi, all represented among the remaining four nations.
Match Preview
Nigeria have been one of the standout stories of the tournament, exceeding expectations after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a play-off defeat to DR Congo in November.
Managed by Malian coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles continue to carry the weight of expectation that comes with being three-time African champions a pressure that has not dampened the belief among Nigeria’s vast football-loving population that the “giants of Africa” can rise to any challenge, regardless of the opponent.
Arriving at the group stage with relatively modest expectations, Nigeria have responded with fluent, attacking football and a perfect record en route to the semi-finals, winning every match with some of the tournament’s most entertaining displays.
They opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, followed it with a dramatic 3–2 win against Tunisia to secure early qualification, rotated the squad to defeat Uganda 3–1 in the final group game, then emphatically dispatched Mozambique 4–0 in the round of 16 before recording a commanding 2–0 quarter-final victory over tournament favourites Algeria.
Chelle’s side are the highest scorers in the tournament with 14 goals from five matches, conceding just four and keeping two clean sheet.
Attacking quality comes from Osimhen, Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, supported by Akor Adams, while leadership and balance are provided by Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Morocco have met 11 times since 1969 across major competitions, with Morocco holding the overall edge with six wins to Nigeria’s four, and one draw.
The rivalry has been shaped by World Cup qualifiers and AFCON encounters, including notable Nigerian successes in 1980 and 2000.
However, the balance has shifted in recent years, with Morocco dominating the last six encounters. Nigeria have managed just one victory a 2–0 win at the 2000 AFCON while their most recent meeting ended in a 4–0 defeat at the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Morocco’s Form
Hosts Morocco topped Group A with seven points after victories over Comoros (2–0) and Zambia (3–0), plus a 1–1 draw with Mali. Coach Walid Regragui’s side have blended home support with disciplined defending and sharp attacking transitions.
In the knockout stage, the Atlas Lions overcame Cameroon 2–0, with Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz continuing his fine scoring form. Morocco controlled the match through structured possession, set-piece efficiency, and compact defensive organisation.
Key moments included Diaz’s opener and Ismael Saibari’s second, preserving Morocco’s unbeaten record in open play and highlighting their ability to manage high-pressure situations.
This marks Morocco’s fifth AFCON semi-final and their strongest campaign since 2004. Victory could take them to their third senior CAF final within a year.
Diaz has scored in five consecutive matches, becoming the first player in 15 years to net in each of his first five AFCON appearances, while Regragui’s tactical leadership has balanced pragmatic defence with incisive attack.
Unlike Nigeria’s free-scoring approach, Morocco’s strength is built on defensive solidity, having conceded just once in the tournament none from open play making them formidable at home.
Recent Form
Nigeria – AFCON: W W W W W
Nigeria – All Competitions: L W W W W W
Morocco – AFCON: W D W W W
Morocco – All Competitions: W W D W W W
Team News
Nigeria face a major blow as captain Wilfred Ndidi is suspended after accumulating bookings. Raphael Onyedika is expected to deputise following impressive group-stage displays, including two goals against Uganda.
There are fitness concerns over Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was forced off against Algeria and remains doubtful.
Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers has withdrawn due to a thigh injury. Fulham’s Bassey has been a commanding presence in defence, while Alex Iwobi has pulled the strings in midfield behind the potent attacking trio of Lookman, Adams, and Osimhen.
Morocco have seen some injury issues, but the return of captain Achraf Hakimi has boosted the squad. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is sidelined with a calf problem, and Romain Saiss remains unavailable.
Diaz, who has been crucial for the hosts, will again be a key threat, and Morocco approach the tie near full strength.
