Rabat, Morocco – The CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 reaches a fever pitch on Wednesday night as Nigeria and hosts Morocco collide in a semi-final showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Kick-off is set for 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT), with both sides carrying unbeaten records, rich history, and the weight of expectation into one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
A Rivalry Renewed After 22 Years
This will be the sixth AFCON meeting between the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions, and their first in 22 years. All five previous encounters produced a winner, underscoring the competitive edge that has defined this rivalry.
- Morocco first triumphed twice in the 1976 group stages en route to their only AFCON title.
- Nigeria struck back in 1980, defeating Morocco 1–0 in the semi-final before lifting their maiden crown.
- The Super Eagles eliminated Morocco in 2000, while the Atlas Lions edged them 1–0 in 2004.
Overall, Morocco hold a slight advantage in head-to-head meetings: six wins to Nigeria’s three, with two draws.
Nigeria’s Relentless Form
Nigeria arrive in Rabat in formidable shape, having won all five matches at AFCON 2025. Their disciplined 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria highlighted their balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair.
- The Super Eagles have scored at least two goals in every match, amassing 14 in total – their highest tally at a single AFCON edition.
- They boast the best shot conversion rate of the tournament at 21 per cent.
- Victor Osimhen has been pivotal, with four goals and 10 goal involvements. Nigeria have never lost an AFCON match in which he has scored or assisted.
This semi-final marks Nigeria’s record-extending 16th appearance at this stage. A win would send them into a ninth AFCON final, equalling Ghana, and secure back-to-back final appearances after 2023.
Morocco’s Fortress at Home
Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support, are in their first AFCON semi-final since 2004. Their narrow 1–0 quarter-final win over Cameroon showcased defensive resilience.
- The Atlas Lions have kept four clean sheets – their best-ever tally in a single AFCON campaign.
- Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been outstanding, becoming the first Moroccan keeper to achieve four shutouts at the tournament.
- Brahim Díaz has been electric in attack, scoring five goals in five matches, just one shy of Ahmed Faras’ national AFCON scoring record.
- Morocco’s set-piece strength has been decisive, with five goals from dead-ball situations – the highest in the competition.
Under coach Walid Regragui, Morocco aim to reach their first AFCON final in over two decades and emulate Côte d’Ivoire’s feat as a host nation finalist.
History Against Hosts
Nigeria’s record against AFCON hosts adds intrigue: three wins, three draws, and four losses in 10 encounters. In knockout matches, they have won only once in open play. The Super Eagles will be eager to rewrite that history against Morocco’s home advantage.
The Stakes
For Nigeria, victory would edge them closer to a fourth continental crown. For Morocco, it would mark a return to the final for the first time since 2004 and a chance to lift the trophy on home soil – just as they did in 1976.
With two giants of African football colliding, Wednesday night promises drama, history, and a place in the AFCON 2025 final.
