AFCON 2025: Morocco Coach Calls Nigeria Clash a Final
Morocco vs Nigeria: “An Early Final” in AFCON 2025 Semifinals
Morocco is treating its AFCON 2025 semifinal clash against Nigeria as an “early final,” according to Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui. The match will take place this Wednesday in Rabat, with the home team aiming to secure a spot in the tournament final.
“Morocco hasn’t reached the AFCON semifinals in a long time,” Regragui told journalists in the Moroccan capital. “We face a strong, consistent team, and our goal is to win and advance to the final.”
The coach added that the squad has improved steadily since the group stage, noting that the AFCON 2025 semifinals feature some of Africa’s top players, including African Footballer of the Year contenders. “It’s the best showcase of African football we can offer,” he emphasized.
Morocco Prepared for Nigeria
Goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui highlighted the team’s readiness: “We are mentally, physically, and tactically prepared to face one of Africa’s strongest sides.”
From the Nigerian camp, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen admitted Morocco enters the match as the favorite due to home advantage but confirmed that Nigeria will fight hard to reach the final.
Fans Make AFCON 2025 a Festival
Moroccan fans have embraced the tournament, filling stadiums and streets with football passion. Across Africa, supporters have made headlines with their colorful displays, painted bodies, and lively choreography. Senegalese fans, for example, drew international attention for their creative stadium displays, while supporters from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast also turned up in vibrant outfits, defying Morocco’s recent cold wave.
A Congolese fan went viral for dressing in blue, mimicking independence leader Patrice Lumumba, symbolizing resistance against colonialism. Remarkably, fans from Algeria and Morocco celebrated together, showing unity despite political tensions.
Record-Breaking Attendance
According to local media, over 1.1 million spectators have attended AFCON matches so far, a record in the tournament’s 35 editions. The Confederation of African Football’s decision to open stadiums 20 minutes after kickoff contributed significantly to this milestone. For instance, the Cameroon vs Gabon match in Agadir began with nearly empty stands and ended with over 35,000 fans.
Moroccan Support Dominates
As hosts, Moroccan supporters are the largest and most active crowd, not only in Rabat but also in Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez. Sales of flags, hats, sunglasses, and rain capes have surged, while fans sport jerseys of stars like Achraf Hakimi (PSG) and Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid).
Public fan zones and even airport screens have allowed fans to follow the tournament live. Cafés, restaurants, and hotels are packed with supporters watching every match.
High Demand for Morocco vs Nigeria Tickets
Tickets for the Morocco vs Nigeria semifinal are sold out on the official AFCON website, with resale platforms like Viagogo and Seatpick offering passes from €280 up to €2,500 for premium boxes—far above the average Moroccan monthly salary of around €350.
Moroccan fans are ready to celebrate a potential final appearance, keeping the streets vibrant with football energy as the Atlas Lions chase another historic AFCON title.
