Nigeria will be eyeing a second consecutive final appearance at the African Cup of Nations tournament when they take on 2025 hosts, Morocco in the second semifinal clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides more insight into the January 14 matchup.
Nigeria vs Morocco match preview
Nigeria have bounced back from disappointment and have enjoyed a solid run so far at the ongoing tournament in Morocco. The Super Eagles have been the most impressive side and are yet to drop a single point in their five matches.
They breezed through Group C and finished as winners ahead of Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before recording another comprehensive 4-0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash. The three-time champions then dominated Algeria in their quarterfinal encounter on their way to an impressive 2-0 win, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams getting the goals in the victory.
Morocco, on the other hand, have been one of the most consistent teams in the World over the past year and have brought the form into their home tournament, winning four of their five matches so far. The Atlas Lions have only failed to win against Mali during the group stage and come into this clash on the back of a 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarterfinals.
The impressive Brahim Diaz continues to lead the Golden boot chase with five goals, although he is closely followed by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah on four each.
Nigeria vs Morocco Head to Head Record
(Last five meetings)
- 04.02.2018 – Morocco 4-0 Nigeria
- 25.01.2014 – Morocco 3-4 Nigeria
- 27.01.2004 – Nigeria 0-1 Morocco
- 03.02.2000 – Nigeria 2-0 Morocco
- 19.03.1980 – Nigeria 1-0 Morocco
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Nigeria narrowly edge recent meetings between both teams, recording three wins from the last five matches.
However, Morocco were victorious in the last clash between both sides at the African Cup of Nations tournament, recording a 1-0 win in their opening Group D clash in 2004.
Recent Form: Nigeria
Nigeria have enjoyed a very impressive form so far at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament and are the only side to have won all of their five matches.
The Super Eagles have also scored the most goals at the tournament (14), while they have not scored less than twice in any of their five matches. They have also kept two clean sheets in their last two outings, having conceded in their first three games at the tournament.
Recent Form: Morocco
Morocco have been very consistent so far at the tournament and have claimed four wins out of their five matches, including a dominant 2-0 win over Cameroon in their quarterfinal clash.
The Atlas Lions have only conceded once and have kept four clean sheets, but will be put to test by a free scoring Nigeria attack.
Player to Watch: Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
Raphael Onyedika has huge boots to fill if he eventually comes into the team to replace the suspended Wilfried Ndidi against Morocco.
The Club Brugge midfielder scored twice in his only start of the tournament so far and his intense pressing and late runs into the box could prove vital for the Super Eagles in the clash.
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Best Betting Odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.40 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
The last five meetings between both countries have produced an average of three goals per game and with the quality on display by both teams, this clash should also produce at least two goals.
