Nigeria tipped to outgun Morocco in AFCON semis

Nigeria’s credentials as favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title have been reinforced after former Djibouti coach Julien Mette described the Super Eagles as superior to tournament hosts Morocco ahead of their semi-final showdown in Rabat.

The three-time champions face the Atlas Lions on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with both teams unbeaten so far.

However, form, balance and recent performances appear to tilt the contest in Nigeria’s direction.

Morocco, backed by home support, have recorded four wins and one draw, including a controlled 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.

Despite that run, doubts remain over whether they can cope with the intensity Nigeria have consistently produced.

Nigeria’s dominance raising alarms

Nigeria arrive in Rabat as the competition’s most prolific side. The Super Eagles have scored 14 goals in five matches, a national record at AFCON, and remain the only team with a perfect record, having beaten Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria.

Their quarter-final display against Algeria stood out as a statement performance. Facing one of Africa’s most highly rated sides, Nigeria controlled the contest from start to finish, limited the Desert Foxes to no shots on target and could have won by a wider margin than the 2-0 scoreline suggested.

That performance has triggered unease among sections of the Moroccan fanbase, aware that their team are yet to face an opponent of similar physical and tactical intensity.

Mette switches stance

French coach Julien Mette, who had earlier backed Morocco to lift the trophy, has now revised his view after Nigeria’s latest performances.

Speaking on After Foot RMC, Mette said: “Offensively, Nigeria is superior to Morocco. On the Moroccan side, there’s Brahim Diaz emerging, but if he goes out… Nigeria can do everything, hurt you on the break, in structured play, and from set pieces.”

He also highlighted Nigeria’s physical edge. “There is no team equivalent to Nigeria in terms of athletic data, strength and combativeness in duels. To beat them, Morocco will have to find solutions elsewhere.”

History adds extra edge

Nigeria are chasing a fourth AFCON crown, while Morocco are seeking their first title since 1976. This will be the sixth AFCON meeting between both nations and their first in 22 years.

All five previous encounters produced a winner, including the 1980 semi-final, when Nigeria edged Morocco 1-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.