Morocco is set to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this Wednesday evening at 9 pm at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a clash that many view as the final before the final.
With two very different footballing philosophies, this is expected to be a tough clash between the two sides, especially since Nigeria is bidding for a fourth title and Morocco for a first trophy win since 1976.
No team has been knocked out in more AFCON semi-finals than Nigeria, and they have missed the last four only three times in 20 appearances, in 1982, 2008, and 2021, according to the CAF online.
Today’s encounter is the two teams’ second meeting in the semi-finals, after Nigeria won their 1980 clash 1-0.
In total, this is their 12th meeting, with Morocco winning six times and Nigeria three, with two draws.
This is going to be the Super Eagles’ third direct knockout match against a host team, after previously losing to Tunisia on penalties in the 2004 semi-finals and to Ghana in the 2008 quarter-finals.
Nigeria have scored at least two goals in five straight games, marking their first such run at AFCON and equalling their 2000 record for the most multi-goal matches in a single tournament.
They have scored 14 goals at this AFCON, their highest total in a single tournament.
They have won five matches in a row for the first time and have now won five games in one edition for only the second time, after 2019.
In AFCON semi-finals, Nigeria have won eight times, with four victories in open play and four on penalties.
Key players to watch are Victor Osimhen, who has scored four goals at the tournament, the most by a Nigerian since Odion Ighalo in 2019, with 10 goal involvements overall.
Nigerian coach Éric Chelle confirmed that the Super Eagles are ready for their AFCON semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday, calling it as a crucial test requiring focus and tactical discipline.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Chelle said Nigeria approaches every game with a final match mentality and noted that Morocco has both strengths and weaknesses, with a playing style different from teams like Algeria, which Nigeria must exploit to reach the final.
Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui emphasized that the team is fully focused ahead of the semi-final against Nigeria, which he acknowledged as a strong side.
He added that nearly all players are ready for the AFCON 2025 clash, noting that both Morocco and Nigeria boast some of the continent’s top talent.
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