The stage is set for a thrilling 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash as host nation Morocco takes on Nigeria on Wednesday night. The high-stakes encounter will kick off at 9:00 pm Nigerian time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

This will mark the sixth AFCON meeting between the two sides, with Morocco holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record with three wins to Nigeria’s two. Their last tournament meeting came 22 years ago during the 2004 group stage, when Mustapha Hadji’s goal secured a 1-0 win for the Atlas Lions.

Both teams have been in excellent form during the current AFCON. Nigeria enters the semi-final unbeaten, having defeated Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria in their previous matches. The Super Eagles have scored a tournament-high 14 goals, powered by stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Raphael Onyedika, and Semi Ajayi.

Looking to reach their ninth AFCON final and only the second consecutive final in the nation’s history, Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards, the latest in their quarter-final win over Algeria.

Morocco, meanwhile, have won four of their last five matches and rely heavily on Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, who has scored in five consecutive games, accounting for more than half of the team’s nine goals. The Atlas Lions also boast the tournament’s best defensive record, conceding only one goal so far. Coach Walid Regragui, however, will be without Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi due to a calf injury.

The Super Eagles will be looking to avenge their runner-up finish in the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast, coupled with the disappointment of missing out on a 2026 World Cup spot after losing to DR Congo in the playoff final. Morocco aims to leverage home support to reach the AFCON final for the third time in their history.

Ahead of the clash, Lagos-based sports journalist Femi Fabunmi predicted a Nigerian victory, highlighting the team’s depth and consistency. “The Super Eagles are the best team in this AFCON. They have strong squad depth and a capable replacement for every player,” Fabunmi told DAILY POST.

On his scoreline prediction, Fabunmi added, “Nigeria will defeat Morocco 3-1 and secure a place in the final.”

The showdown promises to be a tactical and exciting encounter as two of the tournament’s in-form teams battle for a place in the 2025 AFCON final.

Super Eagles Ready for Morocco Showdown in AFCON Semi-Finals

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