Morocco and Nigeria renew one of African football’s enduring rivalries when they meet in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. Historically, the edge belongs to the Atlas Lions, who have won six of their 12 encounters, compared with Nigeria’s three victories and three draws. In AFCON clashes specifically, Morocco also lead narrowly with three wins to Nigeria’s two, making for a rivalry defined by fine margins.
The rivalry stretches back decades. Morocco’s golden moment came in 1976, when they defeated Nigeria twice on their way to claiming their only AFCON title. Nigeria struck back in 1980, beating Morocco 1-0 in the semifinals en route to lifting their first continental trophy, and later added a group stage victory over Morocco in 2000. Morocco responded in 2004 with a 1-0 win courtesy of Youssef Hadji. Nigeria’s most recent win over Morocco came in the 2018 African Nations Championship, a separate tournament from AFCON.
While Morocco hold a historical edge, Nigeria’s three AFCON titles underscore their pedigree. Both teams now arrive in Tangier with strong form and high stakes, promising a fiercely contested showdown.
Morocco’s Road to the Semi-Finals
The Atlas Lions have impressed as tournament hosts. Topping Group A unbeaten, they secured wins over Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0) and drew with Mali to finish with seven points. In the knockout stage, Morocco edged past Tanzania 1-0 in the Round of 16 before a 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarter-finals.
Brahim Diaz has been a revelation, scoring in every match for a total of five goals. Captain Achraf Hakimi’s return has added defensive solidity, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has kept four clean sheets. Morocco have conceded only once—and not from open play—highlighting their disciplined backline. Key contributions have also come from Ismail Saibari in midfield and Ayoub El Kaabi on set pieces. The team’s current form marks their best AFCON run since 2004, giving them momentum and confidence heading into the semifinals.
Nigeria’s Dominance So Far
The Super Eagles have been relentless, winning all three group games—Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1)—to top Group C with nine points. Their knockout performances have been commanding: a 4-0 dismantling of Mozambique followed by a 2-0 win over Algeria showcased both attacking firepower and control.
Nigeria lead the tournament in goals, netting 14 from five matches. Victor Osimhen has scored three, while Ademola Lookman has contributed both goals and assists. Their frontline’s pace and movement have consistently troubled defenses, supported by midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi—though the absence of captain Ndidi through suspension will test Nigeria’s midfield stability.
The Semi-Final Showdown
Both teams enter the semifinals in formidable form. Morocco boast the tournament’s best defense, with four clean sheets and only a single goal conceded. They will also benefit from the fervor of home support. Nigeria, meanwhile, carry the tournament’s most potent attack. Tactically, Morocco rely on structured possession and set-piece efficiency, while Nigeria favor fast wing play and direct, high-pressing football.
The historical record slightly favors Morocco, but recent encounters have been tightly contested, suggesting the semi-final could be decided by fine margins. With Morocco’s growing confidence and home advantage, and Nigeria’s attacking depth and consistency, fans can expect a tense, tactical battle.
A narrow win for Morocco would see them reach their first AFCON final in more than two decades, while Nigeria will aim to leverage their experience and goal-scoring threat to overturn the hosts’ advantage. Either way, the clash promises to be one of the tournament’s most compelling matches.
