AFCON Semifinal: Nigeria vs Morocco – Team News, Lineups, and Start Time
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal clash between Nigeria and Morocco will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 PM local time (20:00 GMT). This highly anticipated matchup features the Super Eagles of Nigeria aiming for redemption and the Atlas Lions of Morocco striving to conquer at home.
Nigeria’s Journey to the Semifinals
Nigeria has emerged as a formidable contender in AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles topped Group C with three wins, displaying a perfect record. They showcased their dominance by thrashing Mozambique 4-0 in the quarterfinals after defeating Algeria 2-0. Nigeria stands out as the only semifinalist to win all five matches in the tournament, accumulating 14 goals along the way.
Key Players for Nigeria
- Ademola Lookman: With three goals and four assists, Lookman has been instrumental in Nigeria’s attack.
- Victor Osimhen: The striker has netted four goals and is two away from reaching the national record of 37 goals.
- Akor Adams: Adams has contributed with two goals and two assists in recent matches.
- Wilfried Ndidi: The team captain has provided leadership, but he will miss this match due to suspension.
Morocco’s Path to the Semifinals
Morocco continues to impress, having topped Group A with an unbeaten record that includes two victories and a draw. They kicked off their knockout stage with a 1-0 win over Tanzania, followed by a 2-0 triumph against Cameroon in the quarterfinals. This semifinal marks Morocco’s first appearance since 2004.
Top Players for Morocco
- Brahim Diaz: Leading the tournament with five goals, Diaz has been a crucial player for Morocco.
- Ayoub El Kaabi: Known for his acrobatic finishes, El Kaabi has scored twice in the tournament.
- Achraf Hakimi: After recovering from an injury, he has returned to start in key matches.
Head-to-Head History
| Matches | Nigeria Wins | Morocco Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
The last competitive meeting took place in February 2018 during the Africa Nations Championship, where Morocco won decisively 4-0. Both teams have experienced success at AFCON, with Nigeria clinching the title three times (1980, 1994, 2013) and Morocco winning once in 1976.
Match Preview and Outlook
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, faces challenges with captain Wilfried Ndidi suspended. Victor Osimhen is expected to step up in leadership. For Morocco, the fitness of Brahim Diaz remains a concern as he has been nursing an injury.
This semifinal promises to be a thrilling encounter as Nigeria and Morocco vie for a place in the AFCON final. The winner will face the victor of the other semifinal between Senegal and Egypt.
