The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco, held on January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was a clash of African football titans that lived up to its billing as a high-stakes encounter. As hosts, Morocco entered the match with the weight of national expectations and a partisan crowd behind them, while Nigeria's Super Eagles aimed to leverage their attacking prowess to reach the final. What unfolded was a gritty, goalless draw after 120 minutes, culminating in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory for the Atlas Lions, propelling them to face Senegal in the final on January 18.
Match Summary and Key StatsThe game was a defensive masterclass from both sides, with neither team able to break the deadlock in regulation or extra time. Morocco dominated possession and created more opportunities, registering 16 shots compared to Nigeria's 5, with 5 on target versus Nigeria's solitary one. Expected goals (xG) favored Morocco at around 0.8 from their attempts, highlighting their control without being overly clinical. Nigeria, known for their free-scoring form earlier in the tournament (scoring 12 goals in the group and knockout stages combined), were uncharacteristically subdued, struggling to impose their high-pressing style.
The penalty shootout proved decisive:
Bounou's performance was pivotal, with his two saves echoing his heroics in past tournaments, while En-Nesyri's calm finish sealed Morocco's first AFCON final appearance in 50 years.Tactical BreakdownMorocco, under coach Walid Regragui, executed a disciplined game plan that neutralized Nigeria's strengths. They utilized extreme width in their build-up to bypass the Super Eagles' press, switching play effectively and maintaining compactness in midfield to keep threats like Lookman in constant cover shadows. This approach limited Nigeria to long balls and impatient transitions, which rarely troubled Morocco's backline anchored by Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss.
Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, stuck with his 4-2-2-2 formation that had worked wonders earlier, featuring Osimhen and Akor Adams up top for relentless pressing. However, without the suspended Wilfred Ndidi's physicality, Raphael Onyedika struggled to assert dominance, leading to a lack of trigger passes into attacking areas. Fatigue played a role in extra time, with Nigeria's intensity dropping, allowing Morocco to gain a psychological edge. The Super Eagles showed remarkable defensive resilience—Calvin Bassey was a standout, marshalling the backline amid Morocco's pressure—but their attack lacked the usual spark, managing just one shot on target over 120 minutes.
In contrast, Morocco's midfield trio of Amrabat, Ounahi, and Brahim Díaz controlled the tempo, creating half-chances through quick switches and set pieces. Their ability to soak up pressure and counter reflected a team built for big occasions, especially on home soil.
The penalty shootout proved decisive:
- Morocco's takers: Successful kicks from Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Youssef En-Nesyri (the winner).
- Nigeria's takers: Goals from Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but misses from Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, both saved by Morocco's hero, Yassine Bounou.
Bounou's performance was pivotal, with his two saves echoing his heroics in past tournaments, while En-Nesyri's calm finish sealed Morocco's first AFCON final appearance in 50 years.Tactical BreakdownMorocco, under coach Walid Regragui, executed a disciplined game plan that neutralized Nigeria's strengths. They utilized extreme width in their build-up to bypass the Super Eagles' press, switching play effectively and maintaining compactness in midfield to keep threats like Lookman in constant cover shadows. This approach limited Nigeria to long balls and impatient transitions, which rarely troubled Morocco's backline anchored by Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss.
Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, stuck with his 4-2-2-2 formation that had worked wonders earlier, featuring Osimhen and Akor Adams up top for relentless pressing. However, without the suspended Wilfred Ndidi's physicality, Raphael Onyedika struggled to assert dominance, leading to a lack of trigger passes into attacking areas. Fatigue played a role in extra time, with Nigeria's intensity dropping, allowing Morocco to gain a psychological edge. The Super Eagles showed remarkable defensive resilience—Calvin Bassey was a standout, marshalling the backline amid Morocco's pressure—but their attack lacked the usual spark, managing just one shot on target over 120 minutes.
In contrast, Morocco's midfield trio of Amrabat, Ounahi, and Brahim Díaz controlled the tempo, creating half-chances through quick switches and set pieces. Their ability to soak up pressure and counter reflected a team built for big occasions, especially on home soil.
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