Nigeria vs Morocco: Super Eagles Target AFCON Final Spot in Blockbuster Semi-Final Clash
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, title continues on Wednesday, January 14, when the Super Eagles take on tournament hosts Morocco in a mouth-watering semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time, 20:00 GMT, as two of the competition’s most impressive sides battle for a place in Sunday’s final.
The clash brings together two teams that have lit up AFCON 2025 so far. Nigeria arrived with a flawless record, winning all five of their matches en route to the semi-finals, while Morocco remains unbeaten with four victories and a draw. It will be the sixth AFCON meeting between the nations and their first in the competition in 22 years. It is also just the second time Nigeria and Morocco will meet at the semi-final stage, with continental glory firmly within reach.
Both sides have eased past previous opponents, but Wednesday’s encounter represents the toughest test yet for either team. Morocco will lean heavily on home advantage and the backing of over 68,000 passionate supporters, while Nigeria will rely on its firepower and tournament experience as it pushes for a ninth AFCON final appearance.
Nigeria: Form and Team News
The Super Eagles have arguably been the standout team of AFCON 2025. They boast a perfect record and currently top the scoring charts with 14 goals, just two short of the all-time single-tournament record of 16 set by Côte d’Ivoire in 2008.
Nigeria’s attacking threat has been spearheaded by the deadly partnership of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who have combined for nearly two-thirds of the team’s goals. Their consistency has powered Nigeria to the last four and placed the three-time champions on the brink of reaching consecutive AFCON finals for only the second time in their history.
However, head coach Éric Chelle faces a key setback, as captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the semi-final through suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the quarter-final win over Algeria.
Morocco: Form and Team News
Hosts Morocco have impressed at both ends of the pitch, winning four of their five matches so far. Walid Regragui’s side has been especially solid defensively, conceding just one goal, the best record at the tournament.
In attack, Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz has been the driving force. The winger has scored in five consecutive matches, contributing more than half of Morocco’s nine goals. His form has been central to the Atlas Lions’ strong home campaign.
This semi-final marks Morocco’s first appearance at this stage of the AFCON in 22 years. The hosts are chasing only their third final appearance, having lifted the trophy in 1976 and finished runners-up in 2004. They will, however, be without Azzedine Ounahi, as the Girona midfielder continues to battle a calf injury.
Head-to-Head: Nigeria vs Morocco
Nigeria and Morocco have met five times previously at the Africa Cup of Nations, with all encounters producing a winner. Morocco holds a slight edge with three victories to Nigeria’s two.
Their last AFCON meeting came at the 2004 tournament, where Morocco edged a 1–0 group-stage win through a Mustapha Hadji goal.
Overall head-to-head record:
Matches played: 11 Nigeria wins: 3 Morocco wins: 6 Draws: 2
Key Players to Watch
Ademola Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer at AFCON 2025, directly contributing to seven goals, four goals, and three assists. Across the last two AFCON editions, he has been involved in 11 goals, more than any other player in that period.
Brahim Díaz, meanwhile, is on the verge of making history. By scoring in five straight AFCON matches, he has equalled a 58-year-old record set by Ghana legend Osei Kofi. A goal against Nigeria would see Díaz become the first player ever to score in six consecutive AFCON games.
With quality, history, and a place in the final on the line, Wednesday night’s semi-final in Rabat promises to be one of the defining matches of AFCON 2025.
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