AFCON 2025: Former Djibouti coach backs Super Eagles over Morocco

AFCON 2025: Former Djibouti coach backs Super Eagles over Morocco

Former Djibouti head coach Julien Mette has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to overcome host nation Morocco ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash on Wednesday.

Nigeria booked their place in the last four with a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final against Morocco, who had earlier defeated Cameroon by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals.

Both teams head into the encounter unbeaten, but Mette believes momentum, depth and recent performances give Nigeria a clear edge as the three-time African champions prepare to face the Atlas Lions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

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Morocco, backed by home support, have recorded four wins and one draw so far, with their most assured performance coming in the quarter-final win over Cameroon. However, Mette, who had previously tipped Morocco to win the tournament, has now revised his assessment.

Speaking as a guest analyst on After Foot RMC, Mette highlighted Nigeria’s attacking superiority.

“Offensively, Nigeria are superior to Morocco,” he said. “On the Moroccan side, there’s Brahim Díaz, but Nigeria are capable of doing everything, killing you on the break, in structured attack, and from set pieces.”

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Mette went further when asked if Morocco should be concerned about the Super Eagles.

“There is no team equivalent to Nigeria in terms of athletic data, strength and combativeness in duels,” he said. “To beat them, you have to outperform them in other areas.”

The semi-final carries both historical and contemporary significance. Nigeria are chasing a fourth AFCON title, while Morocco are seeking their first continental crown since 1976.

As the Super Eagles take to the turf at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday, history may also offer encouragement: Nigeria have never lost to Morocco in Rabat.

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.

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