The first semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sees Nigeria face hosts Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With some of Africa’s finest players on display, including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Achraf Hakimi, this promises to be a blockbuster encounter.
Match Preview
Nigeria have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, responding brilliantly after the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a play-off loss to DR Congo in November.
Under the guidance of Malian coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have exceeded expectations, blending attacking flair with tactical balance to maintain a perfect record en route to the semi-finals.
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Group stage results:
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Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
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Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia
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Nigeria 3-1 Uganda
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Knockout stage results:
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Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique (Round of 16)
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Nigeria 2-0 Algeria (Quarter-final)
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With 14 goals scored in five matches, Nigeria are the tournament’s top scorers, boasting attacking stars like Osimhen, Lookman, Adams, and Iwobi, supported by defensive stability from Bassey, Onyeka, Semi Ajayi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Morocco, meanwhile, have combined home advantage with defensive discipline. Hosts Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points, defeating Comoros (2-0), Zambia (3-0), and drawing against Mali (1-1). In the knockout stage, Morocco overcame Cameroon 2-0, with Brahim Díaz scoring and orchestrating much of their attacking play.
The Atlas Lions have conceded just one goal in the tournament, none from open play, demonstrating defensive solidity while maintaining a sharp attacking threat. A win would see Morocco reach only their fifth AFCON semi-final and possibly secure a place in the final for the first time since 2004.
Head-to-Head History
Nigeria and Morocco have faced each other 11 times since 1969, with Morocco winning six, Nigeria four, and one draw. In recent years, Morocco have dominated, winning five of the last six meetings, including a 4-0 victory at the 2018 African Nations Championship, while Nigeria’s last win came in the 2000 AFCON (2-0).
Team News
Nigeria:
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Wilfred Ndidi suspended; Raphael Onyedika expected to deputise
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Bright Osayi-Samuel doubtful after injury vs Algeria
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Cyriel Dessers withdrawn due to thigh injury
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Key players: Lookman, Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Adams, Bassey
Morocco:
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Achraf Hakimi returned from injury to boost the squad
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Azzedine Ounahi sidelined with calf injury
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Romain Saiss unavailable after prior injury
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Key players: Brahim Díaz, Ismael Saibari, Hakimi, Ezzalzouli
Possible Lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Díaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
Prediction
Nigeria 3-1 Morocco
The Super Eagles have displayed attacking efficiency and depth throughout the tournament, while Morocco’s home support and defensive solidity make them formidable. However, Nigeria’s relentless attacking form, led by Lookman, Osimhen, and Iwobi, suggests the West Africans could spring a surprise and reach a second consecutive AFCON final.
