As anticipation builds ahead of their AFCON 2025 semi-final, Morocco national football team and Nigeria national football team renew one of African football’s most compelling rivalries—one shaped by decades of tight contests, contrasting styles, and championship pedigree.
Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Spanning Decades
Morocco and Nigeria have crossed paths 12 times across all competitions, with the Atlas Lions holding a narrow edge.
Overall record
Morocco wins: 6
Nigeria wins: 3
Draws: 2
At the Africa Cup of Nations specifically, every meeting has produced a winner. Morocco lead that AFCON mini-series 3–2, underlining just how finely balanced the rivalry has been on the continental stage.
Key AFCON Meetings
1976: Morocco beat Nigeria twice (3–1, 2–1) en route to lifting their only AFCON title
1980: Nigeria edged Morocco 1–0 in the semi-final before winning their first AFCON crown
2000: Nigeria won 2–0 in the group stage
2004: Morocco responded with a 1–0 victory, sealed by Youssef Hadji
Nigeria’s most recent win over Morocco came in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN)—a separate competition from AFCON.
AFCON 2025 Form Guide
Morocco: Defensive Steel and Growing Momentum
Tournament hosts Morocco have delivered consistency and control throughout AFCON 2025.
Group stage
Comoros 0–2 Morocco
Morocco 3–0 Zambia
Morocco draw Mali
Finish: Top of Group A (7 points)
Knockout stage
Round of 16: Morocco 1–0 Tanzania
Quarter-final: Morocco 2–0 Cameroon
Morocco have conceded just one goal, none from open play, and have kept four clean sheets.
Standout performer: Brahim Díaz, who has scored in every match (5 goals)
Leadership boost: Captain Achraf Hakimi
Defensive anchor: Yassine Bounou
Midfield contributions from Ismail Saibari and set-piece threat from Ayoub El Kaabi have added balance. This is Morocco’s strongest AFCON run since 2004, and belief is growing that they can reach their first final in over two decades.
Nigeria: Firepower and Authority
Nigeria have arguably been the tournament’s most dominant side.
Group stage
Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia
Nigeria 3–1 Uganda
Finish: Top of Group C (9 points)
Knockout stage
Round of 16: Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique
Quarter-final: Nigeria 2–0 Algeria
The Super Eagles lead the scoring charts with 14 goals in five matches.
Key attackers: Victor Osimhen (3 goals) and Ademola Lookman, whose pace and creativity have been decisive
Midfield engine: Alex Iwobi, though Nigeria will miss suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, a significant absence in the centre of the pitch
Nigeria have scored at least twice in every match, combining high pressing with direct attacking intent.
Tactical Match-Up
Morocco: Structured possession, compact defence, and set-piece efficiency
Nigeria: Speed in wide areas, aggressive pressing, and ruthless finishing
The contrast sets up a classic battle between the tournament’s best defence and its most prolific attack.
Semi-Final Outlook
History tilts slightly in Morocco’s favour, and playing at home in Rabat gives the Atlas Lions a clear emotional edge. Nigeria, however, bring confidence, goals, and a winning tradition that makes them dangerous in any setting.
With two of the tournament’s strongest sides colliding, a tight contest is expected—possibly decided by fine margins, extra time, or penalties. Morocco’s resilience and home support may prove decisive, but Nigeria’s firepower ensures nothing is guaranteed.
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Morocco
Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Match Officials
Referee: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
VAR: Peter Waweru Kamaku (Kenya)
Where to Watch
TV: Channel 4 network (E4)
- Superspot and SABC Sports
Coverage starts: 19:30 GMT
Live stream: Channel 4 Sport YouTube, Channel 4 website and app
One of AFCON 2025’s defining nights awaits—where momentum, history and ambition collide in Rabat.