Nigeria will proceed their chase for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title after they tackle event hosts Morocco within the semi-finals of AFCON 2025. The match will likely be performed on Wednesday, 14 January, on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Tremendous Eagles go into the final 4 with an ideal report on the event. They received all 5 of their matches up to now, together with a 2–0 victory over Algeria within the quarter-finals. Morocco, alternatively, reached the semi-finals for the primary time since 2004 after edging Cameroon 1–0 in a good last-eight encounter.
Match Preview
Nigeria have loved a formidable run at AFCON 2025, profitable each sport and scoring no less than two objectives in every match on their option to the semi-finals. Eric Chelle’s aspect are showing in a record-extending sixteenth AFCON semi-final and are hoping to maneuver one step nearer to lifting the trophy for the primary time since 2013.
Morocco are showing of their fifth AFCON semi-final and their first in over 20 years. The Atlas Lions have constructed their marketing campaign on a powerful defence, retaining 4 clear sheets up to now, whereas taking their possibilities at key moments in assault.
Wednesday’s match would be the twelfth assembly between Nigeria and Morocco in all competitions. Morocco have the general edge with six wins, however on the Africa Cup of Nations, the 2 groups have met 5 occasions, with every assembly producing a winner. This will likely be their first AFCON assembly in 22 years.
The 2 sides have met as soon as earlier than on the semi-final stage, when Nigeria received 1–0 in 1980 on their option to lifting the title. Nigeria will likely be aiming to take care of their excellent report at this yr’s event, whereas Morocco will hope house help in Rabat can drive them to a primary last since 2004.
Nigeria Workforce Information
Nigeria will likely be with out captain Wilfred Ndidi, who’s suspended after selecting up his second yellow card of the event. Raphael Onyedika is anticipated to step in, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka more likely to proceed in midfield.
Vibrant Osayi-Samuel is a doubt after being pressured off late within the quarter-final win over Algeria, whereas Cyriel Dessers has withdrawn from the squad because of a thigh damage.
Victor Osimhen is anticipated to steer the assault as soon as once more after scoring 4 objectives on the event. He’s more likely to be supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams. In defence, Calvin Bassey has been excellent and will proceed alongside Semi Ajayi at centre-back.
Morocco Workforce Information
Morocco have been boosted by the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, however midfielder Azzedine Ounahi stays sidelined with a calf damage. Defender Romain Saiss can be unavailable, that means coach Walid Regragui is anticipated to stay together with his present defensive setup.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is ready to begin once more after retaining 4 clear sheets up to now. In assault, Brahim Diaz has been Morocco’s standout performer with 5 objectives in 5 matches, whereas Ayoub El Kaabi stays an possibility regardless of a quieter run in latest video games.
Doable Line-ups
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen
Morocco:
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
Nigeria’s sturdy scoring kind and expertise at this stage of the competitors might show very important, however Morocco’s strong defence and residential help are anticipated to make it a intently fought contest.
Prediction: Nigeria 2–1 Morocco
