The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on host nation Morocco in a high-stakes semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling clash.
Nigeria’s Road to Semi-finals
Nigeria have emerged as one of the standout teams at AFCON 2025, led by star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both former CAF Player of the Year winners. Under the guidance of Malian coach Eric Chelle, the three-time African champions have surpassed expectations in their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania, followed by a 3–2 victory against Tunisia. They defeated Uganda 3–1 in the final group match, routed Mozambique 4–0 in the round of 16, and secured a 2–0 win over tournament favourites Algeria in the quarter-finals. Nigeria are currently the tournament’s highest scorers with 14 goals from five matches, conceding just four and keeping two clean sheets. Key contributors include Osimhen, Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams.
Morocco’s Road to the Semi-finals
Morocco have demonstrated consistency and composure throughout the tournament. The Atlas Lions topped Group A unbeaten, defeating Comoros 2–0, Zambia 3–0, and drawing 0–0 with Mali to collect seven points.
In the knockout rounds, Morocco edged Tanzania 1–0 in the round of 16 before a convincing 2–0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals. Brahim Díaz has been the team’s standout performer, scoring in every match to lead the Golden Boot race with five goals. Captain Achraf Hakimi’s return has strengthened the squad, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been instrumental in keeping four clean sheets.
Key Match Factors
Morocco enter the semi-final backed by a passionate home crowd and the tournament’s best defence, having conceded only one goal in five matches. Nigeria’s potent attack, the highest-scoring in AFCON 2025 with 14 goals, will face a stern test against Morocco’s disciplined and well-organised backline.
Nigeria vs. Morocco: Head-to-Head Stats
Historically, the two teams have produced a series of closely contested matches. Nigeria and Morocco have met in competitive and friendly matches across decades, with notable clashes including a 1–0 Nigerian win in the 1980 AFCON semi-final in Lagos and Morocco’s 4–0 triumph over Nigeria in the 2018 CHAN Final in Casablanca. The teams have exchanged victories and draws in Olympic, World Cup, and AFCON qualifiers, highlighting a longstanding rivalry.
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