The Showdown in Rabat
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Atlas Lions of Morocco are set for a heavyweight clash tonight at 9 p.m. in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat. With a place in the AFCON 2025 final at stake, this semi-final promises drama, history, and high-quality football.
For Nigeria, victory would mean
– A ninth AFCON final appearance.
– Consecutive finals for the first time since 1988 and 1990.
– Drawing level with Ghana on nine final outings.
Morocco, meanwhile, are chasing their first AFCON final in over two decades and aiming to end a 50-year wait since their only continental triumph in 1976.
🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Road to the Semi-Final
– Only team with a perfect record at AFCON 2025.
– Five wins in five matches, scoring 14 goals – their highest tally in a single edition.
– Éric Chelle’s side has scored at least two goals in every game.
🇲🇦 Morocco’s Road to the Semi-Final
– Unbeaten run: four wins and one draw.
– Built on discipline and defensive solidity.
– Quarter-final: 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat.
📊 Head-to-Head Record
Overall Meetings
– Played: 11
– Nigeria wins: 3
– Morocco wins: 6
– Draws: 2
AFCON Meetings
– Played: 5
– Nigeria wins: 2
– Morocco wins: 3
Highlights:
– 1976: Morocco beat Nigeria twice en route to their only AFCON title.
– 1980: Nigeria won 1-0 in the semi-final (Felix Owolabi goal) and lifted the trophy.
– 2000: Nigeria triumphed 2-0 (Finidi George, Julius Aghahowa).
– 2004: Morocco edged 1-0 thanks to Youssef Hadji.
👉 Seven of the 11 goals in their AFCON meetings came in the second half.
🏠 Nigeria vs Host Nations
– Faced hosts/co-hosts 10 times at AFCON: 3 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats.
– Only one win in five knockout matches against host nations.
– This is the second consecutive AFCON where Nigeria face the hosts (Ivory Coast in 2023).
🌟 Key Players to Watch
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)- 4 goals at AFCON 2025.
– Nigeria have never lost an AFCON match in which he has scored or assisted.
– Brahim Díaz (Morocco)- 5 goals, closing in on Ahmed Faras’ national AFCON record.
– Yassine Bounou (Morocco)- 4 clean sheets – Morocco’s best defensive record in a single AFCON edition.
📺 Where to Watch
– Nigeria: SuperSport channels via DStv + streaming platforms.
– South Africa: SABC channels.
– Francophone Africa: Canal+ Afrique.
🔮 Final Thoughts
Tonight’s clash is more than just a semi-final – it’s a battle of history, pride, and destiny. Nigeria seek to reaffirm their place among Africa’s elite, while Morocco aim to turn home advantage into continental glory.
Whichever way it goes, fans are guaranteed a night of intensity, passion, and unforgettable football.
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