Mohammed Abdulhammed Alansmith
Football in Africa has continued to evolve, none more than the quality of displays on show at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Africans breathe and live for the game, and so far the 35th edition of the continental showpiece has delivered so many high-intense and standout performances.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play host nation Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 (kick-off 21:00 local time).
When the Super Eagles of Nigeria took to the pitch against the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 10 January 2026 at Marrakech, like many, the expectations were high as it was two of the only teams to have recorded victories in all of their games in the competition so far, both teams packed with stars, looking at writing their names in the folklore of their nation’s history. At the end of the clash, Nigeria advanced to their 16th AFCON semi-final after a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria, leaving the fans satisfied with what was witnessed.
Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored the goals in the second half, securing a clinical performance against a resilient Algeria side. Both teams had won all their matches before the quarter-finals.
For Nigerians, this tournament must be delivered, after missing out on the back-to-back World Cup, the jury is still out on the team, as the AFCON in Morocco is seen as a redemption tournament, and only the trophy will appease the Nation’s fan base. The players so far understand the assignment, from the high press, intricate and line-breaking passes, and plenty of risk being taken as they match towards another semi-final, 16th overall in the West African Nation’s history, a lot of Nigerians are excited again and believe this is likely going to be their year. Just as it was in 1994, Victor Osimhen is showing traits of Rashidi Yekini, Alex Iwobi is likened to Jay-Jay Okocha, Calvin Bassey is like Uche Okechukwu. This team continues to grow stronger with each game, and with a semi-final clash against the host nation, Morocco, it’s now or never for this golden generation of Nigerian players.
Morocco, appearing in their first AFCON semi-final since 2004, progressed with a 2-0 win over Cameroon in Rabat. Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz has been prominent for the Atlas Lions in front of the home crowd. Morocco last won the title in 1976 and is seeking their first continental crown in nearly 50 years. The North African nation has invested significantly in football infrastructure over the past decade, splashing millions of dollars, and is also set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030.
Morocco is only the second African nation, after South Africa, to continue to set the benchmark for how football should be run on the continent.
On Wednesday against Nigeria, it will be the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations semi-final since 2004, when they famously lost to arch-rivals Tunisia in the final.
The semi-final pits two undefeated sides against each other, with Nigeria recording five wins and Morocco four wins and one draw so far in the tournament. Nigeria has shown high pressing, precise passing, and willingness to take risks in their campaign. The match in Rabat offers a place in the final on 18 January.
The winner of the Nigeria vs Morocco match will meet the victor of the other semi-final (Senegal vs Egypt, also on 14 January in Tangier) in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
The tournament, hosted across six Moroccan cities, runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.