Nigeria’s Super Eagles face their toughest examination yet at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on host nation Morocco in a high-stakes semi-final clash, with a place in the final of Africa’s biggest football spectacle on the line.
The Super Eagles have been ruthless in attack throughout the tournament, scoring 14 goals and keeping two clean sheets to emerge as AFCON 2025’s most prolific side going forward. Morocco, however, arrive with an equally impressive record built on defensive discipline, conceding just once in the competition a penalty in a 1-1 group-stage draw with Mali while keeping four clean sheets on home soil.
As both heavyweights prepare for a titanic encounter, here are five Moroccan players Nigeria must keep a close eye on.
Brahim Díaz
Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz has been one of the standout stars of AFCON 2025. The Morocco international is currently the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, finding the net in every match he has featured in.
Díaz was named in the Group Stage Team of the Tournament and has since delivered in the knockout rounds, scoring in both the round of 16 and the quarter-final. His pace, sharp dribbling, close control and clinical finishing make him Morocco’s most dangerous attacking weapon and a major concern for Nigeria’s backline.
Achraf Hakimi
Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi brings world-class quality, leadership and winning mentality to Morocco’s side. Fresh off a trophy-laden season with PSG, where he won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League and other honours, Hakimi remains a vital figure despite battling fitness issues earlier in the tournament.
He returned in the final group game and has since grown into the competition, registering an assist in the round of 16. His explosive pace, overlapping runs and pinpoint deliveries from wide areas could stretch Nigeria’s defence if left unchecked.
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Noussair Mazraoui
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has quietly been one of Morocco’s most consistent performers at AFCON 2025. Operating primarily from right-back, he blends defensive solidity with technical intelligence and calmness in possession.
Mazraoui was included in the AFCON Group Stage Best XI and has been central to Morocco’s ability to build attacks from deep. His positional awareness and support play down the flank add balance and fluidity to Walid Regragui’s tactical setup.
Yassine Bounou
Veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou continues to prove why he is regarded as one of Africa’s finest shot-stoppers. The 34-year-old Al-Hilal star has kept four clean sheets in five matches, conceding only once from the penalty spot throughout the tournament.
Calm under pressure, excellent in one-on-one situations and commanding in the box, Bounou’s presence means Nigeria must be ruthless and precise in front of goal to stand a chance of breaking Morocco’s defensive wall.
Ayoub El Kaabi
Ayoub El Kaabi has become one of AFCON 2025’s most talked-about figures thanks to his flair for the spectacular. The 32-year-old Olympiakos striker has scored three goals so far, including two stunning overhead kicks that have lit up the tournament.
Nicknamed the “El-Kaabicycle,” his movement, aerial strength and instinct inside the box make him a constant threat. Alongside Brahim Díaz, El Kaabi provides Morocco with a cutting edge capable of punishing even the slightest defensive lapse.
As Nigeria and Morocco prepare for a semi-final showdown loaded with quality, tactics and history, the Super Eagles’ ability to neutralise these five Moroccan stars could prove decisive in determining who advances to the AFCON 2025 final.
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