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The Super Eagles of Nigeria, bidding for a fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations title, will face hosts Morocco searching for its first trophy win since 1976, in the semi-finals of the 2025 edition.
The match is scheduled for the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, at 9pm (WAT). Both teams are undefeated with Nigeria winning all five of their games, while Morocco have recorded four wins and a draw.
They meet at the Africa Cup of Nations for the sixth time, with all five previous AFCON meetings producing a winner. This is their first meeting in 22 years at AFCON and the second time they face each other in an AFCON Semi-final.
Head To Head
Four of their previous five AFCON meetings came in the group stages in 1976 (two games), 2000 and 2004.
Nigeria and Morocco first met at AFCON in 1976 in the group stages, with Morocco winning both matches 3-1 and 2-1 on their way to their first and only title.
This is their second meeting in the Semi-finals. Nigeria won the previous clash in 1980, triumphing 1-0 with Felix Owolabi scoring the winner in the 9th minute en route to their first title.
They met again in 2000 when Nigeria eliminated Morocco in their final Group D game with a 2-0 victory, with Finidi George and Julius Aghahowa scoring for the Super Eagles.
Their last AFCON meeting came in the group stages in 2004, when Morocco won 1-0 in their opening Group D match, Youssef Hadji scoring the only goal in the 77th minute.
Super Eagles of Nigeria
Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have combined attacking freedom with tactical discipline, establishing themselves as one of the most complete teams at AFCON 2025 and fully justifying their place in the semi-finals against hosts Morocco.
Runners-up at the previous Africa Cup of Nations and with a point to prove, Nigeria arrived in Morocco with a clear sense of purpose. The pain of narrowly missing out on the title sharpened their resolve, forging a squad determined to go all the way this time.
In this edition, Nigeria have emerged as the tournament’s most prolific attacking side, scoring 14 goals — a tally unmatched by any other team. The attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams has been central to this success.
A blend of pace, power and intelligence with impressive cohesion has made the Super Eagles Africa’s most fearsome attack. Osimhen has scored four goals and provided two assists, constantly unsettling defences through his movement and relentless pressing.
Lookman has added three goals and four assists, offering creativity and composure in decisive moments. Adams, featuring in his first AFCON, has further strengthened the attack with two goals and two assists.
Chelle has embraced that legacy, repeatedly stressing the unity within his group and building a dressing room founded on trust, clearly defined roles and strong collective chemistry.
“At this stage of the competition, clear decisions are required,” Chelle said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with top-class players, and when you have players who have won CAF player of the year awards, it is never easy.”
“Our strength lies in the group accepting those decisions, because the national team always comes first. Morocco are a strong team with qualities and weaknesses.”
“Brahim Díaz is a good player, and the Moroccan team as a whole is very good. We are ready for every scenario. We will give everything and approach every match as if it were our last,” he added.
With key players such as Iwobi Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Akor Adams at or near their peak, Nigeria’s squad appears perfectly timed for this stage of the competition.
Combined with Chelle’s emphasis on cohesion and collective responsibility, the Super Eagles have become a team comfortable under pressure and adept at exploiting decisive moments.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco
With their place in the last four, Morocco have already ticked one history box; this is their first semi-final appearance in 22 years.
Their journey on home soil has been defined by consistency, belief and the roaring backing of a home crowd that has made a tangible difference in every step.
The Atlas Lions will be eager to make the most of familiar surroundings and passionate support as they push for a place in the final, and a shot at a second continental title, following their maiden triumph in 1976.
Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 to reach the Semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004.
Morocco’s compact organisation, defensive discipline and rapid transitions will be tested against Nigeria’s physical presence, attacking flair and big-match know-how.
They will lean heavily on the form of Brahim Díaz, whose influence and five crucial goals have lit up the tournament, alongside captain Achraf Hakimi, whose balance between defence and attack has been vital.
A compelling tactical battle is expected between the two tacticians, Morocco’s Walid Regragui, and Malian Éric Chelle, who leads Nigeria out.
“When you coach the Moroccan national team, every result is scrutinised; this is a reality,” said Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui. “I give everything for my country. Yes, mistakes can happen; that is part of a coach’s journey.”
“My focus is solely on our team, because that is what matters most. I fight for my country and accept the criticism that comes with it. An AFCON semi-final is different from a World Cup semi-final.”
Before, we were seen as a surprise. Now expectations are different, and our aim is to reach the final and lift the continental trophy,” he added.
With margins likely to be fine, small details could prove decisive in determining who advances to the final. The Rabat crowd is expected to play a central role once more, creating an electric atmosphere that could lift the hosts to another level.
The Super Eagles attack with variety, defend with discipline and approach key moments with the composure of a team shaped by recent experience.
As they prepare to face hosts Morocco in Rabat, they arrive not only as contenders, but as runners-up seeking redemption — and above all, as a team whose performances, depth and unity fully justify their place among Africa’s final four.
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