Nigeria’s Super Eagles are edging closer to history as they chase a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, but standing in their way are tournament hosts Morocco, who are equally desperate to end a long wait for continental glory.
The two African heavyweights will face off in the semi-final of the 2025 AFCON at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, on Wednesday, 14 January, with kick-off set for 9:00pm local time (8:00pm GMT).
This encounter is not just another knockout match; it is a meeting deeply rooted in AFCON history, rivalry, and contrasting ambitions.
Two unbeaten giants
Both Nigeria and Morocco arrive at the semi-final unbeaten, underlining why this match is one of the most anticipated of the tournament. Nigeria have been flawless so far, winning all five of their matches en route to the last four. Morocco, enjoying passionate home support, have also impressed with four wins and a draw.
For Nigeria, the objective is clear: win and move one step closer to lifting the AFCON trophy for the fourth time. For Morocco, the stakes are even higher as the Atlas Lions are chasing their second continental title and their first since 1976—a drought they are determined to end on home soil.
22-year old rivalry renewed
This semi-final marks the sixth time Nigeria and Morocco will meet at the Africa Cup of Nations, and notably their first AFCON encounter in 22 years. Interestingly, all five previous AFCON meetings between the two nations produced a winner, highlighting how decisive their clashes have historically been.
It is also only the second time both teams are meeting in an AFCON semi-final. The first was in 1980, when Nigeria edged Morocco 1–0, thanks to an early ninth-minute strike by Felix Owolabi. That victory proved crucial, as Nigeria went on to win their first AFCON title that year.
Nigeria and Morocco first crossed paths at AFCON in 1976 during the group stage. Morocco dominated those early encounters, winning both matches 3–1 and 2–1 on their way to lifting their first and only AFCON trophy.
Subsequent meetings have swung both ways. In the 2000 AFCON, Nigeria eliminated Morocco with a convincing 2–0 victory in their final Group D game, with goals from Finidi George and Julius Aghahowa.
Four years later, however, Morocco had their revenge, winning 1–0 in the group stage of the 2004 tournament, courtesy of a 77th-minute goal by Youssef Hadji.
A notable trend from these encounters is timing: seven of the 11 goals scored across their five AFCON meetings have come in the second half, suggesting that patience and endurance could again prove decisive.
Nigeria vs Host Nations: A Tough Test
Facing host nations at AFCON has never been easy for Nigeria. In 10 previous matches against hosts or co-hosts, the Super Eagles have recorded three wins, three draws, and four losses.
This will be the second AFCON in a row where Nigeria face the host nation, following encounters with Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 edition. Nigeria won 1–0 in the group stage but later lost 2–1 to the Ivorians in the final.
Historically, Nigeria have defeated hosts in notable matches, including a third-place playoff win against Mali in 2002 and a 2–1 group-stage victory over Senegal in 1992.
However, they have also suffered painful defeats, such as losing twice to Algeria in 1990 (group stage and final), to Ghana in the 2008 quarter-finals, and again to Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 final.
In knockout matches specifically, Nigeria have faced host nations five times, winning only once—in the 2002 third-place match against Mali.
In all competitions, Nigeria and Morocco have met 12 times. Morocco currently hold the advantage with six wins, compared to Nigeria’s three, while two matches ended in draws. Those draws came during qualification for the 1984 AFCON and were both goalless, with Nigeria eventually progressing via a penalty shoot-out.
What this semi-final means
For Nigeria, this match is about overcoming history, silencing a hostile stadium, and keeping alive their dream of a fourth AFCON crown. For Morocco, it represents a golden opportunity to finally reclaim continental supremacy, 49 years after their last triumph.
As history, form, and ambition collide in Rabat, one thing is certain: the AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco promises drama, intensity, and a decisive outcome—just as their rivalry has always delivered.
