Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui has branded his side’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash against Nigeria as “a final before its time”, as the Atlas Lions seek to reach the last stage of the competition on home soil.
The highly anticipated semi-final will take place at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face a charged atmosphere fueled by tens of thousands of Moroccan supporters.
“A Final Before Its Time” – Regragui Declares
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Regragui described the magnitude of the fixture, noting that Morocco have not reached the AFCON semi-finals in many years and that victory over Nigeria would represent a major breakthrough.
He was full of respect for the Super Eagles, describing them as a strong, consistent side whose elimination would mark a significant step toward Morocco’s continental ambitions.
“This match against Nigeria is like a final before its time. It’s been a long time since Morocco reached a semi-final at the Africa Cup of Nations.”
“We are playing against a strong and consistent team, and we hope to win so we can be in the final,” Regragui said.
Mental Strength the Key Against Nigeria’s Power
Regragui also praised Nigeria’s squad depth and overall quality, warning that his players must be mentally and tactically disciplined to prevent the Super Eagles from imposing themselves physically and technically.
According to the Moroccan coach, the psychological battle will be just as important as the tactical one.
“Nigeria has good players and a well-stocked bench.”
“What’s important for us is to be mentally strong, so we don’t let Nigeria breathe or allow them to use their technical and athletic strengths against us,” he explained.
Regragui revealed that Morocco have improved steadily since the group stage, with several key players only reaching peak condition as the competition unfolded.
He highlighted Hamza Igamane, Achraf Hakimi, and Brahim Díaz as examples of players who have grown into the tournament, strengthening the overall balance and competitiveness of the squad.
He also pointed out that Nigeria arrive at the semi-final fully focused, having moved past their World Cup disappointment and redirected their energy toward AFCON success.
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“Very Difficult to Win in Morocco” – Regragui on Home Advantage
Addressing suggestions that Morocco have benefited from external advantages, including officiating, Regragui firmly dismissed such claims, insisting that results are earned on the pitch.
He argued that criticism stems from opponents’ unwillingness to acknowledge Morocco’s performances and form.
“As the team to beat, people will try to find all sorts of reasons to say Morocco has an advantage.”
“The only real advantage we have is playing in front of our home crowd around 65,000 spectators.”
“The rest is decided on the pitch. We speak on the field with performance,” he said.
Regragui described the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as an intimidating venue where opponents feel the pressure only once the match begins.
He explained the importance of home support, insisting that the atmosphere in Morocco poses a unique challenge for visiting teams.
“When you play in Morocco, you have only Moroccan fans. You don’t play in Dortmund or Madrid.”
“This stadium is difficult for every opponent and you feel that only when you are on the pitch.”
“I hope tomorrow the Moroccan fans will do their best for the team. It is very difficult to win in Morocco,” Regragui said.
Around 53,000 Moroccan fans are expected to pack the stadium, creating one of the most hostile environments Nigeria have encountered in recent times.
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Nigeria Braced for a Hostile Night in Rabat
The Super Eagles’ most recent experience in front of a similarly massive home crowd came in the 2023 AFCON final, where they suffered a 2–1 defeat.
In contrast, Nigeria’s CAF World Cup Qualifiers playoff final against DR Congo was played on neutral ground in Morocco, though the stands were largely dominated by Congolese supporters.
Historically, Nigeria have recorded mixed results when facing strong opposition in intimidating away environments.
Head coach Eric Chelle will be hoping his players can display the mental toughness required to overcome both Morocco and the atmosphere as the Super Eagles chase a place in the AFCON final.
As Nigeria and Morocco prepare to collide under the Rabat lights, the semi-final promises to be a battle of quality, mentality, and atmosphere, truly a final before the final.
