The stage is set for a blockbuster 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between host nation Morocco and Nigeria on Wednesday night.
The match will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
Wednesday’s encounter will be the sixth AFCON meeting between the two sides. Morocco holds a slight edge in the head-to-head record, with three wins to Nigeria’s two. Their last meeting at the tournament came during the group stage of the 2004 edition, when the Atlas Lions secured a 1–0 victory through a Mustapha Hadji goal.
Both teams head into the semi-final as the most in-form sides of the competition. Nigeria have been particularly impressive, winning all five of their matches so far against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria.
The Super Eagles have scored a tournament-high 14 goals, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Raphael Onyedika and Semi Ajayi all finding the net. Nigeria will be targeting a ninth AFCON final appearance and only their second consecutive final in the competition’s history.
However, head coach Eric Chelle will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the quarter-final win over Algeria.
Morocco, meanwhile, reached the last four after winning four of their previous five matches. The hosts have relied heavily on Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, who has scored in five consecutive games and accounts for more than half of the team’s nine goals at the tournament.
The Atlas Lions also boast the best defensive record at AFCON 2025, having conceded just one goal. Coach Walid Regragui will, however, be without Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi due to a lingering calf injury.
Nigeria will be seeking redemption after finishing runners-up at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast and missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a playoff defeat to DR Congo. Morocco, on the other hand, will hope home support can carry them to their third AFCON final.
Speaking to DAILY POST ahead of the match, Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi tipped Nigeria to progress, citing their consistency and squad depth. He predicted a 3–1 victory for the Super Eagles.
