Nigeria’s Super Eagles and hosts Morocco will clash in a blockbuster semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tonight, January 14, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff set for 9 p.m.
The match presents Nigeria with a major opportunity to further assert their status among Africa’s football elite. Victory would see the Super Eagles reach a ninth AFCON final, achieve back-to-back final appearances for the first time since 1988 and 1990, and draw level with Ghana on nine final berths.
Nigeria have previously contested AFCON finals in 1980, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1994, 2000, 2013 and 2023. A win in Rabat would also mark their fourth final appearance on North African soil. Since lifting the trophy in 2013, only Egypt, Senegal and Ivory Coast have joined Nigeria in reaching multiple finals.
Morocco, on their part, are aiming to reach the AFCON final for the first time in over 20 years and are chasing a first continental title since 1976. Backed by home support, the Atlas Lions are hoping to turn strong performances into a historic triumph.
Nigeria head into the semi-final as the only team with a perfect record at the tournament, having won all five of their matches and scoring 14 goals — their highest tally in a single AFCON edition. Morocco are also unbeaten, with four wins and a draw, relying on tactical discipline and a solid defence, as shown in their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.
This encounter will be the sixth AFCON meeting between the two sides. Across all competitions, they have met 11 times, with Morocco recording six wins, Nigeria three, and two matches ending in draws. In AFCON history alone, Morocco have won three of five meetings, while Nigeria have claimed two victories.
Key players to watch include Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who has scored four goals at the tournament, and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, the leading scorer with five goals. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has also been crucial for the hosts, keeping four clean sheets so far.