All roads lead to Rabat on Wednesday night as Nigeria’s Super Eagles lock horns with tournament hosts Morocco in a blockbuster semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). At stake is a coveted place in the final and a chance to lift African football’s most prestigious trophy.
The high-stakes encounter will take place at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, where a charged home crowd is expected to rally behind the Atlas Lions as they chase continental glory on home soil.
Nigeria vs Morocco: What’s at Stake
Nigeria arrive at this stage riding a wave of confidence after a flawless run through the tournament. The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, have looked sharper, more balanced, and ruthless in attack, winning all five of their matches so far.
Under head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria boast the most potent attack at AFCON 2025 and remain the only team with a 100 percent winning record. Their latest statement performance was a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Morocco, meanwhile, are fuelled by history and home advantage. The Atlas Lions are chasing their first AFCON title since 1976, ending a 50-year wait in front of their fans. Walid Regragui’s men sealed their semi-final spot with a composed 2–0 win over Cameroon, five-time champions of Africa.
Team Analysis
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Nigeria: 5 matches, 5 wins
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Morocco: 5 matches, 4 wins, 1 draw
Both teams are unbeaten, setting the stage for a classic showdown between West African firepower and North African tactical discipline.
Team News
Nigeria
The Super Eagles are expected to retain much of the lineup that has carried them this far, though there will be at least one enforced change.
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Wilfred Ndidi is suspended after accumulating yellow cards and will likely be replaced by Raphael Onyedika in midfield.
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Cyriel Dessers has withdrawn from the squad due to a thigh injury.
Nigeria’s attacking trident of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams has been decisive, combining for nine goals in the tournament. Creativity in midfield will once again rest on Alex Iwobi, supported by Frank Onyeka and Onyedika.
At the back, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are expected to anchor the defence, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemachi providing width, while Stanley Nwabali continues in goal.
Morocco
Injuries have tested Morocco’s depth, but there is good news for the hosts.
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Captain Achraf Hakimi is fully fit and set to start.
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Romain Saïss and Azzedine Ounahi remain sidelined with injuries.
Morocco’s biggest weapon remains Brahim Díaz, the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals. His movement and finishing will be central to Morocco’s hopes of breaking down Nigeria’s defence.
Head-to-Head Record
This semi-final marks a rare AFCON meeting between the two giants.
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Overall meetings: 11
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Nigeria: 3 wins
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Morocco: 6 wins
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Draws: 2
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At the AFCON specifically, Morocco have a slight edge, but Nigeria will draw confidence from history. The Super Eagles defeated Morocco in their only previous AFCON semi-final meeting in 1980, a tournament Nigeria went on to win on home soil.
Tactical Battle to Watch
Nigeria’s pace, pressing, and direct attacking play will test Morocco’s organisation and composure. The midfield duel especially how Nigeria copes without Ndidi could prove decisive, while Morocco will rely on Díaz’s brilliance and Hakimi’s overlaps to unlock chances.
Can Nigeria Break the Hosts’ Dream?
With momentum, goals, and belief on their side, the Super Eagles are determined to end their long wait for an AFCON crown, having last lifted the trophy in 2013. Morocco, however, are equally desperate to make history at home.
It promises to be a night of drama, intensity, and fine margins.
Match Details
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Fixture: Nigeria vs Morocco
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Competition: AFCON 2025 Semi-Final
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Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. (Nigerian time)
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Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat
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Where to Watch: CAF TV, Channel 4, SuperSport
Who do you think will reach the AFCON 2025 final, Nigeria’s Super Eagles or the host nation Morocco?
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