In a pivotal semi-final showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Africa's top-ranked nation and 2022 World Cup semifinalists, will collide with the unbeaten Nigeria, who are looking increasingly like the team to beat at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For Nigeria, this AFCON campaign holds a weighty significance as they seek redemption after missing out on the World Cup. The pressure is palpable for Morocco, the hosts, 50 years after their last continental triumph, and they're determined to rewrite history.
Nigeria's path to the semifinals was relatively straightforward. They topped Group C with an impressive 4-0 win over Mozambique and followed it up with a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinals. The Super Eagles have reached the semifinals 17 times in the last 20 tournaments they've qualified for, and they're also this edition's top scorers overall, netting 14 goals in five matches.
Morocco, on the other hand, navigated Group A with an unbeaten record, bagging two wins and a draw. They began their knockout campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania before dispatching Cameroon 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
The Atlas Lions have advanced to the AFCON semifinals for the first time since 2004, and coach Walid Regragui is ecstatic about his team's progress. "It's historic," he said. "Moroccans haven't seen their team in the semifinals of an AFCON for 22 years. They deserve it, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make it even more historic."
Diaz has been Morocco's standout performer at AFCON 2025, scoring in each of his five appearances, and he leads the tournament's scoring charts with five goals.
For Nigeria, Ademola Lookman has emerged as their most effective player, providing strong competition to Brahim Diaz for the tournament's best player award. Alongside Lookman, Victor Osimhen remains a lethal threat, scoring four goals, including back-to-back strikes in the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
In terms of form guides, Nigeria have won all five matches (W-W-W-W-W), while Morocco have bagged two wins, a draw, and suffered one defeat (W-W-W-D-W).
The head-to-head record between Nigeria and Morocco is relatively evenly split, with six wins for Morocco and four for Nigeria. One match ended in a draw.
The teams last met in February 2018, when Morocco won the Africa Nations Championship final 4-0. Their last AFCON meeting was in January 2004, when Morocco secured a 1-0 win over Nigeria.
Nigeria have won the AFCON title three times, but Morocco's only title came in 1976. This semi-final match will see captain Wilfried Ndidi suspended for Nigeria after collecting his second yellow card of the knockout phase, while Achraf Hakimi returns to full fitness for Morocco.
For Nigeria, this AFCON campaign holds a weighty significance as they seek redemption after missing out on the World Cup. The pressure is palpable for Morocco, the hosts, 50 years after their last continental triumph, and they're determined to rewrite history.
Nigeria's path to the semifinals was relatively straightforward. They topped Group C with an impressive 4-0 win over Mozambique and followed it up with a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinals. The Super Eagles have reached the semifinals 17 times in the last 20 tournaments they've qualified for, and they're also this edition's top scorers overall, netting 14 goals in five matches.
Morocco, on the other hand, navigated Group A with an unbeaten record, bagging two wins and a draw. They began their knockout campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania before dispatching Cameroon 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
The Atlas Lions have advanced to the AFCON semifinals for the first time since 2004, and coach Walid Regragui is ecstatic about his team's progress. "It's historic," he said. "Moroccans haven't seen their team in the semifinals of an AFCON for 22 years. They deserve it, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make it even more historic."
Diaz has been Morocco's standout performer at AFCON 2025, scoring in each of his five appearances, and he leads the tournament's scoring charts with five goals.
For Nigeria, Ademola Lookman has emerged as their most effective player, providing strong competition to Brahim Diaz for the tournament's best player award. Alongside Lookman, Victor Osimhen remains a lethal threat, scoring four goals, including back-to-back strikes in the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
In terms of form guides, Nigeria have won all five matches (W-W-W-W-W), while Morocco have bagged two wins, a draw, and suffered one defeat (W-W-W-D-W).
The head-to-head record between Nigeria and Morocco is relatively evenly split, with six wins for Morocco and four for Nigeria. One match ended in a draw.
The teams last met in February 2018, when Morocco won the Africa Nations Championship final 4-0. Their last AFCON meeting was in January 2004, when Morocco secured a 1-0 win over Nigeria.
Nigeria have won the AFCON title three times, but Morocco's only title came in 1976. This semi-final match will see captain Wilfried Ndidi suspended for Nigeria after collecting his second yellow card of the knockout phase, while Achraf Hakimi returns to full fitness for Morocco.
This Africa Cup of Nations is looking more and more like a two-horse race between Nigeria and Morocco - both teams are on fire! Nigeria's Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are giving their team a major boost, while Brahim Diaz has been on point for Morocco 
. The pressure on Morocco, as the hosts, is immense after 50 years without a continental title... will they be able to rewrite history? 
Meanwhile, Morocco's consistency at the back is giving them a solid platform for success. The head-to-head record between these two teams is really interesting too - so much parity between them. Can't wait to see how it all plays out in the semis 
Both teams are playing incredible football, and it's gonna be tough to pick a winner. Nigeria's squad looks super strong, with players like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen on fire 
. And Morocco's got some serious depth too - that Diaz is a nightmare for defenders 
! It's amazing how far both teams have come since their last AFCON matches 
. The Atlas Lions' historic run has been incredible to watch, and I'm loving the confidence from coach Regragui 
. Can't wait to see who comes out on top in this semi-final showdown 
!
! I mean, both teams are looking super strong right now. Morocco's history is on the line and it's huge pressure for them, but at the same time, Nigeria just wants to make up for missing out on the World Cup last year 
. They've got some amazing players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman who can just tear teams apart 
.
. Bring it on! 
morocco needs to stay focused tho, 50 years without afcon glory is a big deal 
I'm so hyped for this AFCON semi-final match 
. Meanwhile, Morocco's historic semifinal appearance is a dream come true for Moroccans everywhere 
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! But you can't count out Morocco, they're having an amazing run too 
, but Nigeria's got the firepower, it's gonna be a tough one to call 
Nigeria is looking 
they're on fire