Nigeria will continue their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face tournament hosts Morocco in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14.
The Super Eagles arrive in the last four with a perfect record at the tournament after seeing off Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals, while Morocco reached this stage for the first time since 2004 following a narrow 1-0 win over Cameroon.
Match preview
Nigeria have enjoyed a flawless run to the semi-finals, winning all five of their matches at AFCON 2025 and scoring at least twice in each game on their way to the last four.
Eric Chelle’s side are contesting a record-extending 16th AFCON semi-final and are hoping to move one step closer to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2013.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi. Photo Credit: AFP
Morocco, meanwhile, are appearing in their fifth AFCON semi-final and their first in over two decades, having edged past Cameroon in a tight quarter-final encounter.
The Atlas Lions have built their campaign around defensive solidity, keeping four clean sheets so far, while also showing efficiency in front of goal at key moments.
Wednesday’s clash will be the 12th meeting between the two nations in all competitions, with Morocco holding the overall advantage, having won six of the previous encounters.
At the Africa Cup of Nations, the sides have met five times previously, with all five meetings producing a winner, and this will be their first encounter at the finals in 22 years.
Osimhen celebrating his first goal for Nigeria against Algeria. Photo Credit: AFP
The two teams have met once before at the semi-final stage, when Nigeria claimed a 1-0 victory in 1980 on their way to lifting the trophy.
Nigeria will be aiming to maintain their perfect record at the tournament, while Morocco will hope home support in Rabat can help them reach a first final since 2004.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi for the semi-final after the midfielder picked up a second yellow card of the tournament and is suspended for one match.
Raphael Onyedika is expected to deputise in midfield, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka likely to continue in the centre of the park for Chelle’s side.
Bright Osayi-Samuel is a doubt after being forced off late in the quarter-final victory over Algeria, while Cyriel Dessers has withdrawn from the squad due to a thigh injury.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Imago
Victor Osimhen is set to lead the line once again after scoring four goals at the tournament, with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams providing support in attack.
Calvin Bassey has been a commanding presence in defence throughout the competition and is expected to retain his place alongside Semi Ajayi at centre-back.
Morocco team news
Morocco have been boosted by the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, although midfielder Azzedine Ounahi remains sidelined with a calf injury sustained in training.
Romain Saiss is also unavailable after picking up an injury earlier in the tournament, leaving Walid Regragui to continue with his current defensive options.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is expected to start once again after keeping four clean sheets at the competition.
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Brahim Diaz has been Morocco’s main attacking outlet so far with 5 goals and will be key once more, while Ayoub El Kaabi ( 3 goals) remains an option in attack despite a quieter run in recent matches.
Diaz has now scored 5 goals in 5 matches. Photo Credit: AFP
The hosts approach the semi-final without any fresh suspension concerns as they look to capitalise on home advantage.
Nigeria possible lineup
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen
Morocco possible lineup
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
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Nigeria’s consistent scoring form and experience at this stage of the competition could prove decisive, but Morocco’s defensive organisation and home backing should ensure a closely contested semi-final.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Morocco
