AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Morocco — Preview, head-to-head stats and prediction

AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Morocco — Preview, head-to-head stats and prediction

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in a blockbuster semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Nigeria have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, powered by some of Africa’s finest talents, including CAF Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who continue to spearhead the Super Eagles’ attack.

Under Malian coach Eric Chelle, the three-time African champions have exceeded expectations as they intensify their push for a fourth AFCON title.

Read Also: AFCON 2025: Chelle warns Super Eagles of toughest test against Morocco

The Super Eagles began their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3–2 victory against Tunisia. They then defeated Uganda 3–1 in their final group match, dispatched Mozambique 4–0 in the round of 16, and recorded a commanding 2–0 win over tournament favourites Algeria in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria are the tournament’s highest scorers with 14 goals from five matches, having conceded four and kept two clean sheets. Their attacking threat has been driven by Osimhen, Lookman and Alex Iwobi, with support from Akor Adams.

Read Also: AFCON 2025: Odegbami confident Super Eagles will defeat Morocco in semi-final clash

Morocco have shown consistency and composure throughout the competition. They finished top of Group A unbeaten, defeating Comoros 2–0, Zambia 3–0 and drawing with Mali to collect seven points.

In the knockout phase, the Atlas Lions edged Tanzania 1–0 in the round of 16 before securing a convincing 2–0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Brahim Díaz has been Morocco’s standout performer, scoring in every match to lead the Golden Boot race with five goals. Captain Achraf Hakimi’s return has bolstered the squad, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been outstanding, keeping four clean sheets.

Morocco have conceded just one goal in the tournament, and none from open play, underlining their defensive solidity.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions boast the best defence at AFCON 2025, with four clean sheets and only one goal conceded.

Nigeria’s prolific attack, the most potent in the competition with 14 goals, will face its sternest test against Morocco’s disciplined and organised back line.

16 Nov 1963: Nigeria 3–0 Morocco (Olympic Qualifier, Lagos) 08 Mar 1964: Morocco 4–1 Nigeria (Olympic Qualifier, Casablanca) 26 Mar 1964: Morocco 2–1 Nigeria (Olympic Qualifier, Dakar) 21 Sep 1969: Morocco 2–1 Nigeria (World Cup Qualifier, Casablanca) 08 Nov 1969: Nigeria 2–0 Morocco (World Cup Qualifier, Ibadan) 20 Feb 1972: Nigeria 3–0 Morocco (Friendly, Lagos) 06 Mar 1976: Morocco 3–1 Nigeria (AFCON, Dire Dawa) 11 Mar 1976: Morocco 2–1 Nigeria (AFCON, Addis Ababa) 03 Apr 1976: Nigeria 3–1 Morocco (Olympic Qualifier, Lagos) 18 Apr 1976: Morocco 1–0 Nigeria (Olympic Qualifier, Tangier) 19 Mar 1980: Nigeria 1–0 Morocco (AFCON Semi-final, Lagos) 14 Aug 1983: Nigeria 0–0 Morocco (AFCON Qualifier, Benin City) 28 Aug 1983: Morocco 0–0 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier, Rabat – Nigeria win 4–3 on penalties) 11 Feb 1984: Nigeria 0–0 Morocco (Olympic Qualifier, Lagos) 26 Feb 1984: Morocco 0–0 Nigeria (Olympic Qualifier, Casablanca – Morocco win 4–3 on penalties) 12 Dec 1996: Morocco 2–0 Nigeria (Friendly, Casablanca) 03 Feb 2000: Nigeria 2–0 Morocco (AFCON, Lagos) 27 Jan 2004: Morocco 1–0 Nigeria (AFCON, Monastir) 25 Jan 2014: Morocco 3–4 Nigeria (CHAN, Cape Town) 04 Feb 2018: Morocco 4–0 Nigeria (CHAN Final, Casablanca)

With Nigeria’s attacking firepower up against Morocco’s defensive resilience and home advantage, the semi-final promises to be finely balanced. If the Super Eagles can maintain their clinical edge, they have the quality to upset the hosts, but Morocco’s organisation and crowd support could prove decisive.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date