Rabat is bracing for a football earthquake.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for a titanic semi-final showdown against tournament hosts Morocco in what many are already calling the real final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Under the floodlights of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Africa’s football destiny will tilt one way on Wednesday night as two continental heavyweights collide for a place in the final — and a shot at eternal glory.
For Nigeria, it is a mission to reclaim the crown and chase a historic fourth AFCON title. For Morocco, it is a chance to break a 50-year jinx and lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976, powered by a roaring, expectant nation.
MATCH DETAILS (WAT):
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Kick-off: 9:00 PM WAT
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Stage: AFCON 2025 Semi-Final
What’s at Stake: Winner advances to the grand final on Sunday, January 18, 2026
ROAD TO THE SEMI-FINAL
Nigeria stormed into the last four with authority, brushing aside Algeria 2–0 in the quarter-finals. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams delivered the killer blows as the Super Eagles extended their unbeaten run, finishing the group stage on top and firing an astonishing 14 goals in five matches.
With Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi spearheading a ruthless attack, Nigeria arrive in Rabat full of confidence — though the suspension of captain Wilfred Ndidi leaves a worrying hole in midfield control.
Morocco, meanwhile, have lived up to their billing as pre-tournament favourites. A composed 2–0 victory over Cameroon in the quarters, inspired by the red-hot Brahim Díaz, underlined their credentials. Díaz leads the scoring charts with five goals, while the Atlas Lions boast the competition’s tightest defence, conceding just one goal so far.
Backed by a sold-out stadium and stars like Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco believe destiny is finally calling.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: NO ROOM FOR DRAWS
This will be just the sixth AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Morocco. The Atlas Lions hold a narrow edge with three wins to Nigeria’s two — and remarkably, every encounter has produced a winner. Their last AFCON clash dates back to 2004, adding extra intrigue to this long-awaited reunion.
HOW TO WATCH IN NIGERIA
TV: SuperSport, CAF TV, and selected NTA/GOtv channels
Online: DStv Now, GOtv apps, CAF official platforms, and beIN SPORTS (international)
Pre-match build-up begins from 8:30 PM WAT.
VERDICT
It’s Nigeria’s blistering attack against Morocco’s iron wall. Pace versus possession. Tradition versus destiny. One nation will dream on — the other will wake up heartbroken.
Nigeria vs Morocco. Wednesday, 9:00 PM WAT.
Clear your schedules. This is AFCON at its fiercest.
Who makes the final — the Super Eagles or the Atlas Lions?
PIONEER NEWS 