By Shola Bademi
Nigeria and Morocco will battle for a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in a highly anticipated semi-final clash on Wednesday night in Rabat.
The encounter, to be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, pits Africa’s most decorated football nation against the tournament hosts, who are chasing their first continental title since 1976.
Nigeria arrive in the semi-final in impressive form, having gone unbeaten throughout the competition. The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, extending their strong defensive record while maintaining one of the tournament’s most potent attacks .
Led by the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria have scored freely at the tournament, but will be without midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Head coach Eric Chelle has hinted at a more cautious approach against the hosts, stressing the need for tactical discipline and defensive organisation
Morocco, meanwhile, have capitalised on home advantage to reach the semi-finals, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. The Atlas Lions eased past Cameroon in the quarter-finals and remain unbeaten, conceding few goals in the competition.
Playmaker Brahim Díaz has been central to Morocco’s attacking threat, while coach Walid Regragui has urged his players to handle the pressure that comes with playing in front of a partisan home crowd .
The semi-final will also revive a historic rivalry.
Nigeria and Morocco have met several times at the Africa Cup of Nations, including a famous semi-final encounter in 1980, which Nigeria won on their way to lifting the trophy. Overall, past meetings between the two sides have been closely contested, adding further intrigue to Wednesday’s showdown .
Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 pm West Africa Time, with the winner advancing to the AFCON final later this week. With continental glory at stake, both teams are expected to approach the match with caution, intensity and tactical precision.
