Nigeria and Morocco will lock horns for a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they clash in a blockbuster semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.
The Super Eagles arrive at the last-four stage in imperious form, having won all five of their matches at the tournament so far. Under the guidance of coach Éric Chelle, Nigeria have blended attacking flair with tactical discipline, scoring 14 goals on their march to the semi-finals and emerging as one of the competition’s most convincing sides.
Raphael Onyedika is expected to deputise in the holding midfield role.
Their 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria further underlined their title credentials, evoking memories of Nigeria’s dominant eras on the continental stage. Leading the charge is Victor Osimhen, whose clinical finishing has been complemented by the creativity and intelligent movement of Ademola Lookman. The pair have combined for seven goals, with Lookman also leading the assists chart. In midfield, Alex Iwobi has dictated the tempo, providing balance and control.
Nigeria, however, will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament.
Morocco, buoyed by fervent home support, are chasing just their second AFCON title since their lone triumph in 1976. The Atlas Lions have been solid and composed throughout the competition and will look to maintain their long unbeaten run. Brahim Díaz has been their standout performer, with five goals to his name, making him the tournament’s leading scorer. Achraf Hakimi has also been influential, offering pace, width and defensive assurance from the right flank.
With a packed stadium anticipated in Rabat, Morocco will hope home advantage can tilt the balance against Nigeria’s potent attack. History offers the hosts a slight edge, with Morocco winning three of their five AFCON meetings against the Super Eagles, including a narrow 1–0 victory in their last encounter at the tournament in 2004.
As both sides bring momentum and match-winners into Wednesday’s encounter, a fiercely contested semi-final is expected, with Nigeria chasing another step towards continental glory and Morocco aiming to turn home advantage into a historic triumph.
Match details:
Nigeria vs Morocco
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: Wednesday, January 14, 9pm (WAT)
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