Nigeria’s Super Eagles will lock horns with host nation Morocco in a mouth-watering Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash on Wednesday night at 9:00 PM, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Widely described as the “final before the final,” the encounter brings together two of the most complete and consistent teams of the tournament in what promises to be a defining night in Morocco 2025.
Both Nigeria and Morocco have dominated headlines throughout the competition, combining attacking quality, tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
With continental glory within touching distance, Wednesday’s semi-final represents not just a route to the final, but a major statement of supremacy in African football.
Nigeria’s Road to the Semi-Final
The Super Eagles have enjoyed a near-perfect AFCON campaign so far, emerging as one of the most feared sides in the competition.
Nigeria topped Group C with maximum points after a thrilling group-stage run:
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Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
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Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia
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Nigeria 3–1 Uganda
The West Africans then powered into the knockout stages with authority, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 in the Round of 16 before delivering a composed and disciplined 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria by the Numbers
Across five matches:
Individually, Nigeria’s attacking stars have shone brightly:
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Victor Osimhen: 4 goals, 2 assists
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Ademola Lookman: 3 goals, 4 assists
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Alex Iwobi: Key midfield orchestrator, dictating tempo and creating chances
The Super Eagles arrive in Rabat brimming with confidence, belief and momentum.
Morocco’s Road to the Semi-Final
Hosts Morocco have also lived up to expectations, growing stronger with each round as they seek to lift the AFCON trophy on home soil.
The Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points after:
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Morocco 2–0 Comoros
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Morocco 1–1 Mali
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Morocco 3–0 Zambia
They edged past Tanzania 1–0 in the Round of 16 before navigating a tense quarter-final against Cameroon to book their semi-final place.
Morocco by the Numbers
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Goals scored: 9
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Matches played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium: 5
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Record at the stadium: 4 wins, 1 draw
Morocco’s campaign has been defined by standout individual performances:
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Brahim Díaz: 5 goals in 5 matches, the tournament’s most decisive attacker
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Yassine Bounou: Crucial saves at key moments, providing calm and authority in goal
With all their matches played in Rabat, the Atlas Lions will once again rely on familiarity and home support.
Head-to-Head History
Nigeria and Morocco share a rich AFCON rivalry, with history adding extra spice to Tuesday’s showdown.
Overall meetings:
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Total matches: 11
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Morocco wins: 6
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Nigeria wins: 3
AFCON Meetings
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1976 AFCON (Group Stage): Morocco 3–1 Nigeria
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1976 AFCON (Final Round): Morocco 3–1 Nigeria
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1980 AFCON (Semi-Final): Nigeria 1–0 Morocco
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2000 AFCON: Nigeria 2–0 Morocco
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2004 AFCON: Morocco 1–0 Nigeria
While Morocco hold the historical edge, Nigeria have won two of the last three AFCON encounters between the sides.
A Clash of Tournament Heavyweights: What’s at Stake
For Nigeria, the mission is to clinch a fourth AFCON title. The Super Eagles last lifted the trophy in 2013 and came agonizingly close in the previous edition, finishing runners-up to Ivory Coast in 2023.
Morocco, meanwhile, are chasing just their second AFCON crown, having last won the competition in 1976.
Their most recent final appearance came in 2004, where they fell to Tunisia.
Victory on Tuesday would move either side one step closer to continental immortality.
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AFCON 2025: Atmosphere and Expectation in Rabat
Nigeria face perhaps their sternest test of the tournament yet. Over 53,000 fans are expected to pack the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with the home crowd firmly behind the Atlas Lions.
Many have described the challenge as a “15 vs 11” scenario, with the Super Eagles needing to overcome not only a highly talented Moroccan side but also the weight of expectation and a charged atmosphere.
Under the floodlights in Rabat, with pressure at its peak and history beckoning, Nigeria vs Morocco promises to be one of the defining matches of AFCON 2025; a true final before the final.
