With just minutes to go before kick-off, anticipation is reaching fever pitch ahead of the AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria national football team and Morocco national football team.
In matches of this magnitude, the release of the official starting elevens offers a clear window into each coach’s tactical intentions. Both camps have now confirmed their line-ups, setting the stage for a fascinating contest between Africa’s most potent attack and its most resilient defence.
Nigeria: Official Starting XI
Manager: Éric Chelle
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Starting XI
GK: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfield: Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi
Attacking Midfielder: Ademola Lookman
Forwards: Victor Osimhen (c), Adams A.
Nigeria stick with a narrow diamond shape, designed to maximise central control while allowing Lookman freedom behind the two strikers. Osimhen leads the line as captain, supported by Adams, with energy and ball-winning expected from Onyeka and Onyedika.
Nigeria Substitutes
Akinsanmiro, Awaziem, Chukwueze, Dele-Bashiru, Ejuke, Lawal, Nnadi, Obasogie, Ogbu, Onuachu, Sanusi, Simon, Usman, Uzoho
Morocco: Official Starting XI
Manager: Walid Regragui
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Starting XI
GK: Yassine Bounou
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Adam Masina, Nayef Aguerd, Achraf Hakimi (c)
Defensive Midfield: Neil El Aynaoui
Midfield: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Ismail Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss, Brahim Díaz
Striker: Ayoub El Kaabi
Morocco line up in their familiar compact structure, with El Aynaoui shielding the back four and creative responsibility shared between Díaz and El Khannouss. Hakimi captains the side from right-back, providing width and attacking thrust.
Morocco Substitutes
Akhomach, Al Harrar, Amrabat, Aït Boudlal, Belammari, Ben Seghir, Chibi, El Yamiq, En-Nesyri, Igamane, El Kajoui, Rahimi, Salah-Eddine, Talbi, Targhalline
Match Officials
Referee: Daniel Laryea Nii Ayi
Assistant Referees: Zakhele Siwela, Souru Phatsoane
Fourth Official: Samuel Uwikunda
VAR: Abongile Tom
Assistant VAR: Haythem Guirat
Tactical Snapshot
Nigeria opt for a striker-heavy system aimed at overwhelming Morocco centrally, with Osimhen the focal point.
Morocco prioritise structure and balance, trusting their defensive solidity and technical midfield to control the tempo.
With line-ups confirmed and contrasting philosophies on display, all eyes now turn to the pitch as Nigeria vs Morocco promises another decisive chapter in AFCON 2025’s knockout drama.