AFCON 2025: Nigeria, Morocco clash in high-stakes semi-final as title race intensifies

All is set for a blockbuster semi-final showdown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as host nation Morocco faces Nigeria on Wednesday night in Rabat, with a place in the final at stake.

The highly anticipated encounter will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm Nigerian time. It will mark the sixth AFCON meeting between both football powerhouses, renewing a rivalry that dates back decades.

Historically, Morocco holds a slight edge over Nigeria at the AFCON, having recorded three wins compared to the Super Eagles’ two.

Their most recent meeting in the competition came 22 years ago during the group stage of the 2004 edition in Tunisia, where the Atlas Lions claimed a narrow 1-0 victory courtesy of a goal from Mustapha Hadji.

Both Nigeria and Morocco arrive at the semi-final as the tournament’s most in-form sides, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter.

Nigeria entered the clash as the team to beat, having won all five of their matches so far in the competition. The Super Eagles have recorded victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria, underlining their dominance.

The three-time African champions also boast the tournament’s most potent attack, scoring 14 goals—the highest tally so far.

Their goals have been spread across several players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Raphael Onyedika and defender Semi Ajayi, reflecting the team’s depth and attacking versatility.

Nigeria will be chasing a ninth AFCON final appearance and only their second consecutive final in the nation’s history, as they seek to go one step further after finishing runners-up at the last edition in Ivory Coast.

However, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle faces a major setback, with captain Wilfred Ndidi ruled out through suspension.

The former Leicester City midfielder picked up his second yellow card of the tournament during Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria.

Morocco, meanwhile, have also impressed on their run to the semi-finals, winning four of their last five matches. The hosts have leaned heavily on the brilliance of Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz, who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament.

Diaz has found the back of the net in five consecutive matches, with his five goals accounting for more than half of Morocco’s total of nine goals in the competition.

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The Atlas Lions also boast the best defensive record at AFCON 2025, having conceded just one goal so far.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, however, will be without Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who is sidelined due to a persistent calf injury.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions will be aiming to reach the AFCON final for the third time in their history and possibly secure their first continental title on home soil.

According to the report, the Super Eagles are also motivated by the desire for redemption following recent disappointments, including their runner-up finish at the last AFCON and their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a defeat to DR Congo in the playoff final.

Ahead of the clash, respected Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi shared his thoughts on the encounter, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s chances.

“Their performances so far have shown that as well. With the way they have been playing, they will definitely defeat Morocco and qualify for the final,” he added.

Asked to predict the outcome, Fabunmi tipped Nigeria to prevail. “3-1 in favour of Nigeria,” he said.

With contrasting strengths—Nigeria’s attacking firepower and Morocco’s defensive solidity—Wednesday night’s semi-final promises to be a thrilling contest as both nations battle for a place in the AFCON 2025 final.