Nigeria national team coach Eric Chelle has described today’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal clash against hosts Morocco as a stern test, admitting his side will need to be at their best to reach the final.
“The match against Morocco will be a big game against a big team,” Chelle told a press conference in Rabat.
“We shall approach the game [differently] and we are ready for them (Morocco). Algeria was the biggest test; Morocco will be the biggest test. We play every game like the last,” Chelle added. “We shall check every player physically at the last training before making decisions on the team to play. Algeria and Morocco both have strong points and weaknesses too. We have to work hard to win the game tomorrow.”
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, meanwhile, says his side is fully focused on overcoming Nigeria and booking a place in the final as they chase their first AFCON title in 50 years.
“We continue our preparations for the semifinal after reaching this stage for the first time in years. We will face a strong team, but we are ready to achieve victory and reach the final match,” Regragui said.
“We are in good physical and mental condition, and we will face Nigeria, who have regained their true level after failing to qualify for the World Cup.”
Despite Morocco’s strong showing at the tournament, Regragui admitted he remains under intense pressure from fans and critics at home.
“In Morocco, the coach is always under pressure and criticism, even after victories. I fight for my country, and I hope that the coach who will replace me in the future achieves better results than me,” he said.
Nigeria and Morocco have faced each other 11 times in both competitive and friendly matches. The Atlas Lions hold a slight edge, with six wins, while Nigeria have recorded four victories. One match ended in a draw.
Their last AFCON meeting dates back to January 2004, when Morocco edged Nigeria 1–0 in a group-stage encounter.
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