The stage is set for a historic continental showdown as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its boiling point. Host nation Morocco is scheduled to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a high-stakes semifinal clash that promises to be a “final before the final.”
With both teams boasting some of the world’s most elite footballing talent, this match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is the most anticipated fixture of the tournament so far.
📅 Match Details: Date, Time & Venue
The first semifinal is a clash of styles: the tournament’s most clinical attack (Nigeria) against the most disciplined defense (Morocco).
- Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM GMT / 2:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM Nigerian Time
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Follow AFCON Semifinal Schedule.
⚽ Morocco vs Nigeria Predicted Lineups
Both managers face crucial selection decisions due to injuries and tactical shifts. Morocco’s Walid Regragui is expected to lean on his European stars, while Nigeria’s technical bench aims to unleash the dual-threat of Osimhen and Adams.
Morocco Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui
- Midfielders: Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari
- Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
Nigeria Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
- Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyamaechi
- Midfielders: Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi
- Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen
Read: Senegal vs Egypt Lineups, Kickoff Time, & Referee Names.
🏁 Match Officials: Referee & VAR Team
CAF has appointed a highly experienced officiating team to handle the pressure of the Rabat crowd. Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea will take the whistle for this heavyweight encounter.
| Position | Official Name | Nationality |
| Main Referee | Daniel Laryea | GHA |
| Assistant Referee 1 | Zakhele Siwela | RSA |
| Assistant Referee 2 | Souru Phatsoane | LES |
| Fourth Official | Samuel Uwikunda | RWA |
| Reserve AR | Arsenio Marengula | MOZ |
| Video Assistant Referee (VAR) | Abongile Tom | RSA |
| AVAR 1 | Haythem Guirat | TUN |
| AVAR 2 | Stephen Yiembe | KEN |
| Referee Assessor | Lidya Tafesse | ETH |
📈 Key Match Stats & Analysis
This is the first time these two giants have met in the AFCON semifinals since 1980—a match Nigeria won 1-0 on their way to their first title.
- Morocco’s Wall: The Atlas Lions have been defensively resolute, anchored by the chemistry between Aguerd and Masina.
- Nigeria’s Firepower: The Super Eagles have found a new rhythm with Victor Osimhen leading the line, supported by the creativity of Alex Iwobi in the middle.
- The Brahim Diaz Factor: The Real Madrid star has been the standout performer of the tournament, providing the creative spark Morocco needs to break down deep blocks.
🏆 What’s at Stake?
The winner of this match will advance to the Grand Final to face the winner of the second semifinal. For Morocco, it is a chance to win a title on home soil. For Nigeria, it is a quest for a fourth continental crown and a statement of dominance in African football.