AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Morocco preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Nigeria is the only team in the tournament with a 100% winning record, beating every opponent that comes their way. Meanwhile, as the host nation, Morocco will fancy lifting the AFCON trophy in front of their home fans.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are one of the top contenders of the tournament, having secured the semi-final spot with a flawless 2-0 victory against Algeria. Victor Osimhen, through a powerful header, put the West African team in front in the 47th minute before Akor Adams doubled the lead in the 57th minute with an assist from Osimhen.

This win made it the 5th for the Super Eagles, including a 2-1 win against Tanzania, a 3-2 win against Tunisia, a 3-1 win against Uganda, and a 4-0 win against Mozambique. In total, Nigeria scored 14 goals, the most in the tournament.

For Eric Chelle's men, a win in this fixture will not only make them finalists for the second time in a row but also give them another opportunity to win the trophy, after failing against the Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2023.

Meanwhile, Morocco is not only a strong contender in this tournament but also has the home advantage as the host. The Atlas Lions are also unbeaten in this competition (W4, D1).

En route to this semi-final, Walid Regragui's men topped group A with a 2-0 win against Comoros, a 1-1 draw against Mali and a 3-0 win against Zambia. The North African team also won 1-0 against Tanzania in the R16 and recently won 2-0 against Cameroon.

While the Super Eagles of Nigeria can boast of the sharpest attack in this tournament, the Atlas Lions of Morocco have the best defence, having conceded only 1 goal so far in the competition. Even though the host team coach is fast to dismiss it, the home advantage may also play in their favour.

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Nigeria and Morocco have faced each other 9 times, with the North African side having the edge in their meetings. In those meetings, the Super Eagles won just 3, and the Atlas Lions won 5, while only one game ended in a draw.

A big blow hit the Nigerian camp as Wilfred Ndidi will miss this fixture due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Eric Chelle also has concerns over the fitness of Osayi Samuel, even though the player confirmed that he is fit to feature in the semi-final.

However, the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams are available and ready to test the host's defence. Alex Iwobi will also be available in the midfield to provide creativity to the team.

After firing the home team into the AFCON semi final, Brahim Díaz will be available once more to provide threats against the Nigerian side. Regragui will be happy that there are no fresh injury concerns or suspensions for his side, as he will have a squad with full strength ready for the clash.

Nigeria (4-3-1-2):  Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayo, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

Morocco (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, Al Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi

Semi-final fixtures are usually unpredictable, especially when tournament favourites such as Nigeria and Morocco meet. This is a match where the team with the best attack meets the team with the best defence.

While we expect the Super Eagles to break the defence of the Atlas Lions and score at least one goal, those betting at Livescorebet should expect a quick response from the host nation. Barring any last-minute upset, we predict the West African team to have a slight edge.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Morocco.

• Bet on Nigeria to win or draw

• Over 1.5 goals

• Victor Osimhen to score.