Nigeria booked their spot in the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a commanding 2–0 win over Algeria on Saturday, setting up an eagerly anticipated clash with hosts, Morocco.
Morocco had already secured their place in the last four a day earlier, defeating Cameroon 2–0.
The victory marked their first semifinal appearance since 2004. Energized by their home crowd, the Atlas Lions have maintained their strong tournament form and are now just one win away from a historic final on home soil.
The Nigeria–Algeria quarterfinal was a physically intense battle, with neither side breaking through in the first half. Nigeria turned up the pressure after the break, and Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a powerful header. Ten minutes later, he provided the assist for Akor Adams to double the lead, securing Nigeria’s semifinal berth.
Wednesday’s semifinal will be the fifth AFCON meeting between Morocco and Nigeria, with the rivalry evenly poised. Their first encounters date back to 1976, when Morocco won twice, while Nigeria responded with a semifinal victory in 1980. Morocco claimed the upper hand in their 2004 meeting, leaving both nations with two wins apiece. This matchup will finally break the deadlock and decide who advances to the 2025 final.
Morocco and Nigeria will clash on Wednesday, January 14, each aiming for a historic shot at the AFCON final.
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