Nigeria secured their place in the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a 2–0 victory over Algeria on Sunday, setting up a high-stakes encounter with hosts Morocco.
Morocco booked their own semifinal spot a day earlier, defeating Cameroon 2–0 in Rabat and returning to the AFCON last four for the first time since 2004. Fueled by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions have maintained their strong form and are now one win away from a historic final on home soil.
The quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria was a tightly contested and physical affair in the first half, ending 0–0 at the break. Nigeria increased the intensity after halftime, and Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a powerful header. Ten minutes later, he set up Akor Adams to double the lead, confirming Nigeria’s semifinal spot.
Wednesday’s semifinal will mark the fifth AFCON meeting between Morocco and Nigeria. Historically, the rivalry is evenly balanced: Morocco won twice in 1976, Nigeria claimed a semifinal victory in 1980, and Morocco edged their 2004 encounter. With two wins each, this match will finally decide who advances to the 2025 final.
Morocco and Nigeria face off on Wednesday, January 14, both chasing a chance to make history in the AFCON final.