The Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns with tournament hosts Morocco in a blockbuster semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tonight, January 14. The highly anticipated clash kicks off at 9 p.m. at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with both nations eyeing a place in continental history.
For Nigeria, this encounter represents more than just another semi-final. Victory would propel the Super Eagles into their ninth AFCON final, drawing them level with Ghana for the most appearances in the competition’s showpiece match. It would also mark Nigeria’s first back-to-back final appearances since 1988 and 1990, further underlining their enduring status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
The Super Eagles have previously featured in AFCON finals in 1980, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1994, 2000, 2013 and 2023. A win in Rabat would also see them reach an AFCON final on North African soil for the fourth time—an achievement that would add another chapter to their rich tournament legacy.
Since lifting the trophy in 2013, Nigeria have remained among the continent’s most consistent performers. Alongside Egypt, Senegal and Ivory Coast, they are one of the few teams to have reached multiple AFCON finals in that period, highlighting the significance of the opportunity before head coach Éric Chelle and his squad.
Morocco, on the other hand, are chasing a long-awaited return to the AFCON final for the first time in over 20 years. The Atlas Lions are also seeking their first continental crown since 1976. Buoyed by home support and strong recent performances, the hosts are determined to turn expectation into history and end their decades-long wait for AFCON glory.
Road to the Semi-Finals
Nigeria arrive at this stage as the only team with a flawless record at the tournament, having won all five of their matches. Their attacking efficiency has been a standout feature, with the Super Eagles scoring at least twice in every game and amassing 14 goals— their highest tally in a single AFCON campaign.
Morocco are unbeaten as well, recording four wins and a draw. Their journey has been defined by tactical discipline and defensive strength, qualities that were evident in their composed 2–0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon in Rabat.
Head-to-Head: Nigeria vs Morocco
This semi-final will be the sixth time Nigeria and Morocco face each other at the AFCON finals, and notably, all five previous meetings at the tournament have produced a winner.
Overall Record:
- Matches played: 11
- Nigeria wins: 3
- Morocco wins: 6
- Draws: 2
The two drawn encounters came during qualification for the 1984 AFCON and ended goalless over two legs, with Nigeria advancing on penalties.
AFCON Meetings:
- Matches played: 5
- Nigeria wins: 2
- Morocco wins: 3
Their first AFCON meeting dates back to 1976, when Morocco won both group matches on their way to claiming their only AFCON title. Nigeria responded four years later with a famous 1–0 semi-final victory in 1980, courtesy of an early Felix Owolabi goal, before going on to lift the trophy.
The teams met again in 2000, with Nigeria securing a 2–0 group-stage win through goals from Finidi George and Julius Aghahowa. Their most recent AFCON encounter came in 2004, when a late strike from Youssef Hadji handed Morocco a 1–0 victory. Notably, seven of the 11 goals scored in their AFCON meetings have come after halftime.
Nigeria Against Host Nations
Historically, Nigeria have had mixed results against host or co-host nations at AFCON, recording three wins, three draws and four defeats from ten such matches. This is the second successive tournament in which they have faced the hosts, following meetings with Ivory Coast in both the group stage and final of the 2023 edition. In knockout games against host nations, Nigeria have managed just one win in five attempts—an added challenge as they take on Morocco on home soil.
Key Players to Watch
Victor Osimhen has been instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive run, scoring four goals so far and becoming the most prolific Nigerian at a single AFCON since Odion Ighalo in 2019. Remarkably, Nigeria have never lost an AFCON match in which Osimhen has either scored or provided an assist.
For Morocco, Brahim Díaz has spearheaded the attack with five goals, leaving him just one shy of Ahmed Faras’ national AFCON record. Defensively, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been outstanding, keeping four clean sheets—the highest number Morocco have ever recorded in a single AFCON tournament.
Where to Watch
- Nigeria: Live coverage on SuperSport channels via DStv, as well as SuperSport’s streaming platforms on mobile and other devices.
- South Africa: Broadcast live on SABC channels.
- Francophone Africa: Available on Canal+ Afrique.
As kickoff approaches, both nations stand on the brink of history, setting the stage for a gripping semi-final that promises intensity, quality and high drama under the Rabat lights.
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