Nigeria Set To Clash With Morocco In AFCON 2025 Semifinals After Beating Algeria 2–0
Nigeria advanced to the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a 2–0 triumph over Algeria on Sunday, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.
Morocco had secured their semifinal spot a day earlier by defeating Cameroon 2–0 in Rabat, marking their first return to the AFCON last four since 2004. Buoyed by their passionate home fans, the Atlas Lions are now just one win away from a historic final on home soil.
The quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria was intense and physical in the first half, ending goalless at the break. Nigeria surged after the restart, with Victor Osimhen opening the scoring in the 47th minute through a powerful header. Ten minutes later, Osimhen set up Akor Adams to double the lead, sealing Nigeria’s place in the semifinals.
Wednesday’s semifinal will be the fifth AFCON meeting between Morocco and Nigeria. The two nations are evenly matched historically, with Morocco winning twice in 1976, Nigeria taking a semifinal in 1980, and Morocco edging the 2004 encounter. With two wins apiece, this semifinal will finally tip the balance and determine who moves on to the final.
The clash between Morocco and Nigeria takes place on Wednesday, January 14, with both teams aiming to make history and secure a place in the AFCON 2025 final.
