Nigeria vs Morocco | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium | CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Semi-Final

This is set to be a thrilling AFCON 2025 semi-final as the high-flying Super Eagles of Nigeria face the tournament hosts, the Atlas Lions of Morocco. This clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat pits Nigeria's perfect winning record against Morocco's unbeaten run and home advantage, with a spot in the final on Sunday, January 18, at stake. The Super Eagles are chasing a fourth continental title, while Morocco aims to end a 50-year wait for glory, having last won in 1976.

Current Form and Tournament Journey

Nigeria have been the standout team at AFCON 2025, maintaining a flawless 5-0 record through the group stage and knockouts. They topped their group with wins over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1), then crushed Mozambique 4-0 in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Eric Chelle's side defeated Algeria 2-0 (Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams on target), scoring 14 goals overall – the most in the tournament – while conceding just 4.

Hosts Morocco, Africa's top-ranked nation and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, have been efficient but tested. They topped Group A (wins over Comoros 2-0 and Zambia 3-0, draw vs Mali 1-1), then beat Cameroon 2-0 in the quarter-finals (Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari scoring). This is Morocco's first semi-final since 2004, with belief growing amid home support.

Recent Form (AFCON 2025):

• Nigeria: W-W-W-W-W

• Morocco: W-D-W-W-W

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Team News and Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (Super Eagles): A major blow as captain Wilfried Ndidi is suspended after a second yellow card in the quarter-final vs Algeria (he also picked up an injury). No other fresh concerns; Victor Osimhen is tipped to wear the armband. Ademola Lookman (3 goals, 4 assists) and Osimhen (4 goals) have been pivotal, combining for two-thirds of Nigeria's 14 goals.

Predicted Nigeria XI (4-3-1-2): Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.

Morocco (Atlas Lions): No fresh injuries or suspensions, but concerns over Brahim Diaz's thigh (he came off strapped in the Cameroon game). Azzedine Ounahi is out with a calf injury. Coach Walid Regragui has a full-strength squad otherwise, with Diaz scoring in all five games (tournament-leading 5 goals). Achraf Hakimi is back fit as the world's best right-back.

Predicted Morocco XI (4-3-3): Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui; Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari; Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

Head-to-Head Record

Nigeria and Morocco meet at AFCON for the first time in 22 years (last: 2004 group stage, Morocco 1-0 win via Mustapha Hadji). In five prior AFCON encounters, all produced winners: Morocco leads 3-2.

Overall (11 matches): Morocco 6 wins, Nigeria 4 wins, 1 draw. Their only previous AFCON semi-final was in 1980 (Nigeria 1-0 win). First meetings in 1976 AFCON saw Morocco win twice en route to their sole title.

Match Prediction and Betting Tips

Nigeria have exceeded expectations under Eric Chelle with a perfect record and 14 goals, channeling World Cup qualifying disappointment into determination. Morocco, with the best defense (1 goal conceded, all from set-pieces), have the home crowd and Brahim Diaz's scoring streak (5 goals). This marks Morocco's first semi since 2004.

Our Prediction: Nigeria 1-2 Morocco Hosts to prevail amid pressure and expectation, but Nigeria could upset as the only unbeaten side.

MKEKA WA LEO

• Main Bet: Morocco to win

• Bet on total goals: Under 2.5 Goals

• Bet on BTTS - No

• Bet o anytime goal: Brahim Diaz

• Risky Bet: Morocco advance

Stay tuned for live updates from this pivotal Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 semi-final in Rabat. Who will reach the final? Drop your score prediction on "Post your Tips" section ✍️

You can place your bets today through various betting sites such as: Wasafibet, Betpawa, Sokabet , Sportybet, BetWinner etc.

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