Home Football AFCONAFCON 2025 Semi-final: Nigeria vs Morocco – preview, head-to-head and how to watch

AFCON 2025 Semi-final: Nigeria vs Morocco – preview, head-to-head and how to watch

Jan 12, 2026 11:00 PM GMT+00:00

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AFCON 2025 Semi-final: Nigeria vs Morocco – preview, head-to-head and how to watch

Two of Africa’s most compelling teams collide on Wednesday, 14 January, when Nigeria take on host nation Morocco in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.

With a place in Sunday’s final on the line, this match pits the tournament’s most ruthless attack against its most disciplined defence. Nigeria arrive with goals in abundance, while Morocco have built their run on control, structure and the magic of Brahim Díaz.

A packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, holding more than 68,000 supporters, is expected to provide a thunderous backdrop as Morocco chase their first AFCON final appearance in over two decades.

Nigeria: form and team news

Nigeria have looked unstoppable. Five matches, five wins, and 14 goals have made the Super Eagles the standout attacking force of the tournament.

They are now just two goals shy of equalling the AFCON single-tournament scoring record of 16, set by Ivory Coast in 2008, and with two matches still available, history is well within reach.

The driving force behind that surge has been the lethal partnership of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Together, they have accounted for nearly two-thirds of Nigeria’s goals, combining pace, movement and ruthless finishing.

However, there is one major blow for head coach Eric Chelle. Captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the semi-final through suspension after picking up his second yellow card in the quarter-final win over Algeria. His absence in midfield will test Nigeria’s ability to control the tempo against a possession-heavy Moroccan side.

Nigeria are chasing their ninth AFCON final and only their second consecutive appearance in the showpiece match.

Morocco: form and team news

Morocco’s journey to the last four has been built on balance. They have won four of their five games, scoring nine goals and conceding just once, giving them the best defensive record in the tournament.

The star of the show has been Brahim Díaz. The Real Madrid winger has scored in five straight matches, contributing more than half of Morocco’s goals and repeatedly rescuing them in tight moments.

While the attack has relied heavily on Díaz, it is Morocco’s organisation at the back that has made them so difficult to break down. They press intelligently, recover quickly and rarely allow clear chances.

Walid Regragui will be without Azzedine Ounahi, who is ruled out with a calf injury, but the rest of his core squad remains intact.

This is Morocco’s first AFCON semi-final in 22 years. They are now just two wins away from a first continental title since 1976.

Nigeria vs Morocco: head-to-head

This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations and the first since 2004, when Morocco won 1-0 in the group stage.

Interestingly, every AFCON clash between Nigeria and Morocco has produced a winner, with no draws in five matches. Morocco hold a narrow edge with three wins to Nigeria’s two.

Across all competitions, the balance still favours the Atlas Lions.

Overall record

Matches played: 11
Nigeria wins: 3
Morocco wins: 6
Draws: 2

Key players to watch

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Lookman has been directly involved in seven goals at AFCON 2025, scoring four and assisting three. Across the last two editions of the tournament, his total goal involvement now stands at 11, the highest of any player. When Nigeria need a breakthrough, he is usually at the heart of it.

Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

Díaz is chasing history. By scoring in five consecutive AFCON games, he has matched a record that has stood since 1967. One more goal on Wednesday would make him the first player ever to score in six straight AFCON matches.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most dangerous pure striker. Even when he is not scoring, his physical presence, pressing, and aerial ability create space for teammates. Morocco’s centre-backs will have to deal with his runs in behind and his strength in the box throughout the match.

Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)

Iwobi has quietly been one of Nigeria’s most important players in midfield. He links play between defence and attack, dictates the tempo, and regularly delivers the final pass in advanced areas. If Nigeria dominate possession spells, Iwobi will likely be at the centre of it.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

The Morocco captain brings pace, leadership and attacking threat from right-back. His overlapping runs and deliveries into the box add another dimension to Morocco’s attack, especially when teams sit deep to contain Díaz.

Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

Morocco’s defensive strength starts with their goalkeeper. Bounou has conceded just one goal all tournament and has been key with his positioning, command of the box and calmness under pressure. In a game where Nigeria’s forwards create chances, his shot-stopping could be decisive.

How to watch Nigeria vs Morocco live

The AFCON 2025 semi-final will be broadcast globally across multiple networks.

Selected broadcasters

United Kingdom: Channel 4
United States: beIN Sports
Nigeria: BON, NTA
Morocco: SNRT
France: beIN Sports France
Germany: Sportdigital
Spain: Movistar
Italy: Sportitalia, Solo Calcio
South Africa: SABC Sport
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
Middle East & North Africa: beIN Sports
Canada: beIN Sports

The match kicks off on Wednesday, 14 January, in Rabat, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s AFCON 2025 final.

With Nigeria’s firepower meeting Morocco’s resilience, this semi-final has all the ingredients of a classic.