KLIK SAJA - The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on host nation Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place on Wednesday (local time) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
This encounter is one of two blockbuster semi-finals featuring a wealth of Africa’s finest talent.
CAF Player of the Year winners such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Achraf Hakimi are among the European-based stars representing the four remaining nations in the tournament.
Nigeria have emerged as one of the standout stories of the competition, exceeding expectations after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a play-off defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November.
Under the guidance of Malian coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles continue to shoulder the expectations that come with being three-time African champions.
That pressure has not diminished the belief among Nigeria’s football-loving public that the so-called “Giant of Africa” can rise to any challenge, regardless of the opponent.
Arriving at the group stage with relatively modest expectations, Nigeria have responded with fluent attacking football and a perfect record en route to the semi-finals, winning every match while producing some of the tournament’s most impressive attacking displays.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, followed by a dramatic 3–2 win against Tunisia to secure early qualification.
They then rotated their squad and still defeated Uganda 3–1 in the final group match, before dominating Mozambique 4–0 in the round of 16 and overcoming one of the title favourites, Algeria, with a convincing 2–0 win in the quarter-finals.
Chelle’s side are currently the highest-scoring team in the tournament, having netted 14 goals in five matches, conceding four and recording two clean sheets.
Their attacking threat is led by Osimhen, Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, supported by Akor Adams, while balance and leadership are provided by Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria and Morocco have met 11 times since 1969 in major competitions, with Morocco holding the overall edge with six wins, compared to four victories for Nigeria and one draw.
The rivalry has been shaped by World Cup qualifiers and AFCON clashes, including notable Nigerian triumphs in 1980 and 2000.
In recent years, however, the balance has shifted. Morocco have dominated the last six meetings, with Nigeria managing just one victory, a 2–0 win at AFCON 2000.
