Former Chippa United coach Luc Eymael has expressed doubts about Nigeria’s chances against Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals.
The Super Eagles advanced to the last four with a 2-0 win over Algeria in the quarter-finals, setting up a clash with hosts Morocco, who secured a 2-0 victory against Cameroon. Despite Nigeria’s strong showing, Eymael is unconvinced by their overall form.
“They (Nigeria) will lose to Morocco, before the AFCON, DR Congo beat them (Nigeria), and they will be playing against a very good Morocco side, who are playing their best football so far,” Eymael told Flashscore.
“Morocco will be playing at home, the crowd will be behind them, the players know they have to do it (qualify), so it will not be an easy game for Nigeria. The game will not have a huge scoreline, but both teams will score, and Morocco will definitely qualify for the final.
Eymael pointed to Nigeria’s heavy reliance on Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
He also highlighted Alex Iwobi as another key player, saying the midfielder has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament.
“Nigeria depends too much on Victor (Osimhen), and Ademola (Lookman), and for example, you can see when the goalkeeper of Chippa United is always giving a long ball, his target is on the two players, Osimhen or Lookman.
“If Morocco manages to close down these two players, and shut them down completely, then Nigeria will have nowhere to hide, they won’t move upfront, they won’t score, and it will be the end of them at AFCON.
“For example, against DR Congo, the two players were completely shut down before Osimhen came out owing to injury,” he added.
“They didn’t shine in the game. If Morocco manages to prevent Osimhen and Lookman from playing properly, Nigeria will not be Nigeria anymore. Nigeria will not be a threat. The third very dangerous player for Nigeria is Alex (Iwobi), who is having a great AFCON.”
The semifinal is set for 20:00 GMT at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
