we will assemble at RABAT, MOROCCO, later today to witness the most anticipated clash in the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF Cup of Nations tournament.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face their sternest test yet at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they take on the host nation, Morocco, in a high-stakes semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium tonight.
With a fourth continental title within reach, Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle and midfield maestro Alex Iwobi have expressed unwavering confidence in the team’s ability to silence the home crowd and secure a place in the final.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
Tonight’s encounter marks a return to the site of one of the most storied chapters in the rivalry between these two giants. In 1983, the “Green Eagles,” captained by the late Stephen Keshi, famously defeated the Atlas Lions in Rabat via a penalty shootout. Just months later, Morocco claimed their “pound of flesh” with a shootout victory of their own in an Olympic qualifier in Casablanca.
Decades later, the stakes have shifted to the 2026 AFCON, where Nigeria has been labeled the “champions-in-waiting” following a flawless run through the tournament’s earlier stages.
Addressing the media at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Tuesday, Coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the weight of national expectation. Comparing the upcoming match to their narrow quarter-final victory over Algeria, Chelle emphasized that the squad is mentally and physically prepared for the hostile atmosphere.
“Every game is the biggest test for this team because the expectations are so high,” Chelle stated. “The physical state of the players will determine our tactical approach, but our objective is clear: we are playing to win.” Midfielder Alex Iwobi, who is currently a frontrunner for the Player of the Tournament award alongside teammates Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, attributed the team’s success to an unprecedented level of squad harmony.
“I feel the difference is the sense of brotherhood the family environment we’ve created,” Iwobi said. “In previous championships, we were a young team still learning about one another. Now, everyone is entering their prime, and you can see that chemistry on the pitch. We are fighting for each other.”
Match Officials and Logistics
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea to officiate the match. Laryea, who recently served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Morocco’s quarter-final win over Cameroon, is expected to bring a steady hand to what many anticipate will be a volatile atmosphere.
The semi-final double-header begins with Egypt facing Senegal at 4:00 PM local time, followed by the Nigeria-Morocco clash at 8:00 PM.
The winner of tonight’s match will move on to the final, inching closer to the ultimate prize in African football.
