The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 semifinal stage reaches a fever pitch as host nation Morocco take on Nigeria at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With both sides boasting attacking firepower and rich footballing histories, this is a clash that could define AFCON 2026.

Kick-off: Wednesday at 9:00pm local time (20:00 GMT)
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT ahead of text commentary

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How Nigeria Reached the Semifinals

The Super Eagles are the only team at AFCON 2026 to maintain a perfect record, winning all five matches.

• Group Stage: Topped Group C with three wins.
• Round of 16: Beat Mozambique 4-0.
• Quarterfinals: Defeated Algeria 2-0.

Nigeria are also the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals in five games, highlighting their attacking prowess. Historically, Nigeria have reached the semifinals 17 times in 20 tournaments, showcasing their continental pedigree.

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How Morocco Reached the Semifinals

Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked side and 2022 World Cup semifinalists, have home advantage and are seeking their first AFCON semifinal appearance since 2004.

• Group Stage: Topped Group A (2 wins, 1 draw).
• Round of 16: Narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania.
• Quarterfinals: 2-0 win against five-time champions Cameroon.

Coach Walid Regragui said:

“It is historic. Moroccans have not seen their team in the semifinals of an AFCON for 22 years. We deserve it, but we must stay grounded to make it even more historic.”

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Key Players to Watch

Nigeria

• Ademola Lookman: 3 goals and 4 assists, top contributor with playmaking and finishing abilities.
• Victor Osimhen: 4 goals, now two goals shy of equaling Nigeria’s all-time record of 37 international goals.
• Akor Adams: 2 goals, 2 assists in knockout stage.
• Alex Iwobi & Wilfried Ndidi: Midfield anchors controlling Nigeria’s rhythm.

Morocco

• Brahim Diaz: AFCON 2026 top scorer with 5 goals, described by Regragui as the “X factor” of the team.
• Ayoub El Kaabi: Acrobatic striker with 2 key goals in knockout stage.
• Achraf Hakimi: World-class right-back, recently returned from ankle injury to start both knockout matches.

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Head-to-Head Record

• Total meetings: 11
• Morocco wins: 6
• Nigeria wins: 4
• Draws: 1

Last Meeting: February 2018, CHAN final – Morocco won 4-0 (Ayoub El Kaabi scored).
Last AFCON Meeting: January 2004, Morocco 1-0 Nigeria (group stage).

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AFCON Titles

• Nigeria: 3-time champions (1980, 1994, 2013).
• Morocco: 1-time champion (1976).

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Team News & Predicted Lineups

Nigeria

• Suspension: Captain Wilfried Ndidi is out due to yellow card accumulation.
• Captaincy: Victor Osimhen expected to lead the side.
• Predicted XI:
  Stanley Nwabali (GK); Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyamaechi; Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen

Morocco

• Injury: Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi out; Diaz’s thigh injury under monitoring.
• Predicted XI:
  Yassine Bounou (GK); Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui; Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari; Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli

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What’s at Stake

The winner of Nigeria vs Morocco will face the victor of the Senegal vs Egypt semifinal in the AFCON final, with both teams chasing continental glory. For Morocco, victory would mark a historic first AFCON triumph on home soil in 50 years, while Nigeria aim to cement their reputation as Africa’s dominant footballing powerhouse.