Nigeria will play Morocco, the host country, today in one of the most exciting semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
After losing a playoff game against DR Congo in November and missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria has become one of the tournament’s most interesting stories, according to Daily Trust.
The Super Eagles have shown strength and attacking skill under Malian coach Eric Chelle, handling the pressure that comes with being three-time African champions.
Nigeria has played offensive, flowing football and won all five of their matches on the way to the semi-finals, even though they weren’t expected to do well before the competition.
They started by beating Tanzania 2-1, then had a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Tunisia, and finally rotated their lineup to beat Uganda 3-1. The Super Eagles beat Mozambique 4-0 in the knockout rounds and then beat tournament favorites Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead Nigeria’s assault, but Alex Iwobi has also been a big part of it. He has made 22 line-breaking passes against Mozambique and 14 against Algeria, which resulted to six unanswered goals.
Akor Adams’ support, combined with the solid defense of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and goalie Stanley Nwabali, has helped keep things in balance.
But captain Ndidi’s ban, Bright Osayi-Samuel’s fitness problems, and Cyriel Dessers’ absence have all made it hard to get ready. Morocco has won six of the 11 times the two teams have played each other since 1969. In the 2018 African Nations Championship, Morocco beat Nigeria 4-0.
Walid Regragui’s team, the hosts Morocco, has been in charge, winning Group A and giving up only one goal in the competition. Morocco is ready for a fascinating semi-final against the free-scoring Super Eagles. Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz is in amazing form, scoring in five straight games. Morocco blends tactical discipline with sharp forward transitions.
Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has said that he is not worried about possible prejudice from the match officials before the semi-final.
“Some people are afraid that the match officials will be biased, but I’m not. I think the grass is always green and the field is always level. I don’t think there will ever be a time when the match officials are working against the best interests of any side.
We went in Morocco last summer for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In the final, we faced the host country and came back from two goals down to win. Don’t be afraid. This is the best level of football in Africa, and the officials know that CAF and the rest of the world are watching and won’t do anything wrong.
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