Hosts Morocco will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat in the first semi-final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a contest rich in history, ambition and continental prestige.
The clash brings together two African powerhouses in a fixture expected to capture global attention. Morocco carry the weight of home expectations, while Nigeria arrive with confidence and a desire to upset the hosts as both teams battle for a place in Sunday’s final.
Morocco fuelled by history and home advantage
Reaching the semi-finals already marks a major milestone for Morocco, as it is their first appearance at this stage of the competition in 22 years. Their campaign on home soil has been built on consistency, belief and the powerful backing of a passionate crowd that has played a decisive role throughout the tournament.
The Atlas Lions will look to maximise the advantage of familiar surroundings as they push for a place in the final and a chance to claim a second AFCON title, nearly five decades after their maiden triumph in 1976.
Nigeria eye redemption and a return to glory
Nigeria, on the other hand, enter the semi-final with a point to prove. After finishing as runners-up at the last AFCON, the Super Eagles are determined to erase the pain of 2023 and lift the trophy for the first time since 2013.
They arrive with belief, experience and a strong competitive mentality that has carried them through difficult moments, especially in high-stakes matches.
Tactical battle: Regragui vs Chelle
Wednesday’s encounter also sets the stage for a fascinating tactical duel between Morocco coach Walid Regragui and Nigeria’s Malian-born head coach, Éric Chelle.
Morocco’s compact structure, defensive organisation and swift transitions will be tested against Nigeria’s physical strength, attacking creativity and big-game experience. With little expected to separate the sides, fine margins could decide who advances.
Key players and the impact of the crowd
Morocco will rely heavily on the brilliance of Brahim Díaz, whose influence and five vital goals have lit up the tournament, alongside captain Achraf Hakimi, whose balance of defensive solidity and attacking thrust has been crucial. Once again, the Rabat crowd is expected to act as a powerful 12th man.
Nigeria boast firepower of their own, led by Victor Osimhen’s strength and presence in the box, and Ademola Lookman’s pace and creativity. The duo has combined for seven goals—Osimhen with four and Lookman with three—underlining Nigeria’s attacking threat.
Players speak: eyes on history
Morocco goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui highlighted the team’s focus ahead of the clash:
“We hear everything around us, but the real response must be on the pitch. We trust the coach and the group, and our aim is always to give our best and honour the national jersey,” he said.
Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed a similar mindset within the Super Eagles camp:
“There’s a strong bond in this team; everyone feels like family. We give everything to win, whether it’s AFCON or World Cup qualifiers. Even in tough moments, we turn disappointment into motivation for our country and ourselves,” he noted.
As the lights shine in Rabat, Morocco will chase another historic chapter, while Nigeria lean on experience and ambition. When the whistle sounds, only what happens on the pitch will determine who moves one step closer to continental glory.
What the coaches said
Éric Chelle (Nigeria head coach):
“At this stage, tough decisions must be made. Working with top players is a privilege, even when some have won CAF awards. What matters most is that the group accepts decisions because the national team comes first. Morocco are strong, with qualities and weaknesses, and we are prepared for every scenario. We will give everything.”
Walid Regragui (Morocco head coach):
“Coaching Morocco means every result is analysed, and I accept that reality. I give everything for my country. Mistakes happen, but my focus remains on the team. Expectations are now higher than before, and our goal is to reach the final and win the AFCON trophy.”
Match facts
This will be the sixth AFCON meeting between Morocco and Nigeria, and their first in 22 years. It is only the second time both teams are facing each other in an AFCON semi-final, with Nigeria winning the previous encounter 1–0 in 1980. Their first AFCON clash dates back to the 1976 group stage.
