2025 AFCON Semifinal: Nigeria vs Morocco Preview
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria faces a difficult task when they take on Morocco in the semifinal of the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Wednesday, January 14th.
Both teams have had a seamless run in the tournament while Nigeria maintained a five game winning run against Morocco who has won four games and drew one game in the group stage.
This AFCON represents a shot at redemption for Nigeria after the crushing blow of not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. For Morocco, the burden is heavier still to claim the title on home ground, 50 years since their last triumph on the continent.
In the quarter final, Atlas Lions took Cameroon to the cleaners as Nigeria swept aside Algeria to seal a semifinal berth between both teams.
As the sole semifinalist with a perfect five-win record, the Super Eagles have made it to the semifinals in 17 of their last 20 qualified tournaments. They are also the top goal-scoring national team at the 2025 AFCON with 14 goals scored across five matches.
It’s the Atlas Lions AFCON semifinal appearance since 2004 where they reached the final before bowing out to Tunisia with Morocco current coach, Walid Regragui been part of the 2004 team.
Playmaker, Ademola Lookman remains Nigeria’s most creative and effective player with seven goals involvement. While he stamps his authority as a playmaker and clinical goal scorer.
The Atalanta winger is touted to become the tournament’s MVP which will be strongly contested by Sadio Mane and Brahim Diaz.
Victor Osimhen has regained his best form with four goals in five appearances including back to back goal scoring feat in the Round of 16 and quarter final shows the magnitude of the threat he possess. He’s two goals shy of equalling Rashidi Yekini 37 goal scoring record. Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 51 games for the Super Eagles.
Brahim Diaz has becomed the most phenomenal Morocco player in the AFCON. The Real Madrid winger has scored five goals in five encounters to top the continental showpiece goal scorers chart while coach Walid Regragui described Diaz as an influential X factor in the team.
CAF Africa Player Of The Year (APOTY), Achraf Hakimi who missed two group games has integrated himself perfectly into the team with breathtaking performances in the knockout stages.
The last time Super Eagles clashed with Atlas Lions in the AFCON was in January 2004 where Morocco defeated Nigeria by a lone goal.
The winner between Nigeria and Morocco will play the winner between Senegal and Egypt in the final on Sunday, January 18.
