It is Nigeria versus Morocco on Wednesday night in Rabat as two of Africa’s most compelling football stories collide under the lights of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Nigeria, the tournament’s most explosive attacking side, will take on host nation Morocco, widely regarded as the competition’s most disciplined and resilient defensive unit, with a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final at stake.
For the Super Eagles, the semi-final represents an opportunity to reach a ninth AFCON final and move one step closer to a fourth continental title. For Morocco, it is a chance to write history in front of nearly 68,000 passionate supporters and edge closer to a first AFCON crown since 1976. Both teams arrive unbeaten, both have eliminated strong opponents, and both now face their toughest test of the tournament.
Preview
Nigeria have been the entertainers of AFCON 2025 and arguably its most ruthless finishers. Five matches, five wins, and 14 goals scored underline their dominance in attack. Under Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles have blended physical strength with pace, sharp movement, and a devastating understanding between Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Morocco, on the other hand, has built their campaign on control, patience, and defensive solidity. Walid Regragui’s side has conceded just one goal in five matches, and none from open play. Rather than overwhelming opponents, the Atlas Lions gradually suffocate them, limiting chances and managing games with composure.
This semi-final feels like a clash of footballing philosophies, attacking freedom against defensive perfection. With a hostile atmosphere expected and the stakes at their highest, fine margins are likely to decide the outcome.
How They Reached the Semi-Finals
Nigeria began their AFCON 2025 journey with a controlled 2–1 victory over Tanzania before producing one of the games of the tournament in a thrilling 3–2 win against Tunisia. A rotated squad then handled Uganda 3–1, before the Super Eagles truly announced their title credentials with a ruthless 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Nigeria delivered a mature and authoritative 2–0 win over Algeria, one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Morocco’s path has been more measured but equally impressive. The hosts topped their group with wins over Comoros and Zambia, alongside a draw against Mali. In the knockout rounds, they eliminated Tanzania and Cameroon, maintaining control and defensive discipline throughout. Both teams remain unbeaten, but only one will carry that record into the final.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the sixth meeting between Nigeria and Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations and their first in the competition in 22 years. Their AFCON history is rich in drama and significance. Morocco won both group-stage encounters in 1976 on their way to lifting the trophy, while Nigeria famously responded in the 1980 semi-final, with Felix Owolabi’s early strike sending the Super Eagles into a final they would later win.
Nigeria also claimed a 2–0 victory in 2000, while Morocco edged a 1–0 win in the group stage in 2004. All five AFCON meetings between the sides have produced a winner. Overall, they have met 11 times in all competitions; Morocco has six wins, Nigeria three, with two draws.
Team News
Nigeria will be without captain and midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card against Algeria. His absence is significant, both tactically and in terms of leadership. Raphael Onyedika is expected to step in, offering energy and ball-winning ability, though without Ndidi’s experience.
There are also concerns over Bright Osayi-Samuel, who limped off late in the quarter-final and remains a doubt, with Igoh Ogbu on standby. Cyriel Dessers is ruled out, while Ryan Alebiosu has returned to training after a leg injury but may not feature.
Morocco will be without Azzedine Ounahi due to a calf injury, while Romain Saïss also remains unavailable. However, the hosts have been boosted by the fitness of Achraf Hakimi, whose availability is crucial at both ends of the pitch.
Possible Line-ups
Nigeria (4-3-1-2 diamond): Nwabali, Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Adams.
Morocco (4-3-3): Bono, Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui, El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari, Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi.
Key Players to Watch
For Nigeria, all eyes will be on Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. Lookman has been directly involved in seven goals at AFCON 2025, three goals and four assists, and has 11 goal involvements across the last two editions, more than any other player. Osimhen’s relentless movement, physical presence, and leadership continue to stretch defences, even when he is not on the scoresheet.
For Morocco, Brahim Díaz remains the central figure. The Real Madrid forward has scored in five consecutive AFCON matches, equalling a 58-year-old record set by Ghana legend Osei Kofi. A goal in this semi-final would see him make history. Achraf Hakimi’s energy and Ismail Saibari’s intelligence in midfield will also be vital to the hosts’ balance.
Match Details
Match: Nigeria vs Morocco, AFCON 2025 Semi-final Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 Time: 8:00pm GMT, 9:00pm local time Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Prediction
This promises to be a tense, high-quality, and emotionally charged semi-final. Morocco’s defensive record and home support make them formidable opponents, but Nigeria’s attacking form, confidence, and momentum are difficult to ignore.
If the Super Eagles score first, the contest could open up in a way that strongly favours them.
Prediction: Nigeria 2–1 Morocco