AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Chase More History Ahead of Morocco Semi-Final Showdown
Nigeria will face tournament hosts Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake at the 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
Both sides arrive unbeaten in the competition, ensuring that one of Africa’s most in-form teams will suffer its first defeat of the tournament when they clash in the last-four encounter.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the high-stakes showdown against the Atlas Lions, they do so on the back of an impressive campaign that has already seen them set several historic records at AFCON 2025.
Seven Records Nigeria Have Set at AFCON 2025
1. Consecutive meetings with host nations Nigeria is facing the tournament hosts for the second AFCON in a row. At the 2023 edition, the Super Eagles came up against Côte d’Ivoire in both the group stage and the final, winning 1–0 in the group match before falling 2–1 in the final.
2. Consistent multi-goal scoring run The Super Eagles have scored at least two goals in each of their five matches at AFCON 2025. This marks the first time Nigeria has achieved such a feat in a single Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
3. Highest goals tally in a single AFCON With 14 goals already recorded, Nigeria has set a new personal benchmark for goals scored in one AFCON edition, surpassing their previous best tallies.
4. Five consecutive AFCON victories Nigeria has won five straight matches at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in its history, underlining its dominance and consistency throughout the tournament.
5. Semi-final regulars in the 24-team era Since AFCON expanded to a 24-team format, only Senegal, in 2019, 2021, and 2025, and Nigeria, in 2019, 2023, and 2025, have reached the semi-finals on three occasions.
6. Ninth final within reach Victory over Morocco would send Nigeria into a ninth AFCON final. It would also mark the first time the Super Eagles reach the final in consecutive tournaments since the 1988 and 1990 editions.
The Osimhen Factor
Victor Osimhen has been at the heart of Nigeria’s success at AFCON 2025. The Napoli striker has scored four goals so far, the highest by a Nigerian player at the tournament since Odion Ighalo netted five in 2019.
Beyond his goals, Osimhen has been a constant threat, recording 10 goal involvements at the Africa Cup of Nations, five goals and five assists combined. His influence, leadership, and cutting-edge attack will once again be crucial as the Super Eagles aim to overcome hosts Morocco and book a place in the AFCON final.
With history beckoning and momentum firmly on their side, Nigeria head into Wednesday’s semi-final determined to extend their remarkable run and keep their dream of a fourth continental title alive.
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment