Nigeria vs Morocco: AFCON Semi Final Preview, Kick Off Time, TV Details

Nigeria vs Morocco: AFCON Semi Final Preview, Kick Off Time
Super Eagles miss Ndidi, Morocco battle injury concerns
Osimhen and Hakimi key figures in Rabat showdown

Nigeria and Morocco will clash in a high stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi final on Wednesday as both sides battle for a place in the final of the tournament in Morocco.

The Super Eagles arrived at this stage with confidence after finishing as beaten finalists in the previous edition. This time, Nigeria have looked sharper and more decisive, cruising into the last four with a series of composed performances.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nigeria head into the encounter slightly depleted, with Wilfred Ndidi ruled out after picking up too many yellow cards. The midfielder will serve a one match suspension and could return if the Super Eagles progress to the final.

Despite the setback, Nigeria produced arguably their best performance of the tournament in the quarter final, defeating Algeria 2 0 in a controlled display that underlined their growing momentum.

Tournament hosts Morocco have also impressed, as they chase a first AFCON title in 50 years. The Atlas Lions were widely tipped as favourites before the competition and have largely lived up to expectations. They secured their semi final place with a convincing win over Cameroon, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.

The match will mark the first AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Morocco in 22 years. Their last encounter at the tournament came in 2004, when Morocco edged a 1 0 group stage win before finishing as runners up.

The semi final is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick off on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

In terms of team news, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is expected to hand Raphael Onyedika a starting role in place of Ndidi. There are concerns over Bright Osayi Samuel, who sustained an injury late against Algeria, while Cyriel Dessers has already withdrawn from camp with a thigh problem.

Morocco have also dealt with injuries during the tournament. Azzedine Ounahi is expected to miss the game due to a calf injury, while Romain Saiss remains sidelined after picking up a knock against Comoros.

Both teams will rely heavily on their star players, with Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi expected to play decisive roles as Nigeria and Morocco chase a place in Sunday’s final.