Hosts Morocco will play for their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976 after advancing to Sunday’s final thanks to a nervy penalty shoot-out win over Nigeria in Rabat.
After a tense 120 minutes were goalless, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi in the shoot-out as Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive kick to send Morocco into a final against Senegal. Neil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi also scored for Morocco.
Nigeria managed just two shots across the 120 minutes, with one on target, while boss Eric Chelle made the surprise decision to take off captain and star striker Victor Osimhen two minutes before the shoot-out. It backfired when Chukwueze, one of two late substitutes sent on, was denied by Bounou.
Earlier, Sadio Mane was the hero for Senegal as he scored the winning goal against Egypt. Senegal will be bidding for a second Africa Cup of Nations crown, having won their first title four years ago.
Follow all the action from Nigeria v Morocco in our live blog below:
Nigeria v Morocco live
- Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to seal spot in Afcon final | Hosts will face Senegal in final
- 120' GOAL! En-Nesyri's spot kick seals shootout win
- 53' CHANCE! Ezzalzouli tests Nwabali from inside the box [NGA 0-0 MAR]
- 32' YELLOW CARD! Calvin Bassey ruled out of final [NGA 0-0 MAR]
- 9' CLOSE! Diaz curls wide early on [NGA 0-0 MAR]
Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
00:00 , Chris WilsonThe Africa Cup of Nations is nearing its climax, with the final now set as hosts Morocco face Senegal.
And the showpiece event will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Sadio Mane sends Senegal through to Afcon final as Mohamed Salah’s Egypt bow out
23:50 , Chris WilsonSadio Mane thrashed home a dramatic winner 12 minutes from full-time to send Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final after they edged Egypt 1-0 in a tense last-four encounter on Wednesday.
It was as much as Senegal deserved after they dominated the match, with Egypt not having any shots at goal or even forcing a corner before they conceded.
Senegal found it tough, however, to break down a resolute Egypt defence and it was only a fortuitous deflection that set up Mane’s strike.
Sadio Mane sends Senegal through to Afcon final as Mohamed Salah’s Egypt bow out
When is the Afcon final?
23:42 , Chris WilsonThe 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations will take place this Sunday, 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Kick-off is set for 7pm GMT, and it will be televised live in the UK on E4, with coverage starting at 6.30pm.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen decision backfires in painful Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat
23:35 , Jamie BraidwoodYassine Bounou saved two penalties and Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot kick as hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria following their 0-0 draw in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat.
Morocco, seeking their first continental title in 50 years, will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, while Nigeria take on Egypt in the third-place playoff a day before.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen decision backfires in painful Africa Cup of Nations defeat
Afcon final is set
23:25 , Chris WilsonSo, hosts Morocco will face Senegal in the final of the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations!
The Atlas Lions will contest their first final since 2004 as they look to win the tournament for just the second time and a first since 1976.
They’ll face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s final. with the Teranga Lions having beaten Egypt earlier today.
Senegal are also looking for just their second Afcon title, having been runners-up in 2019 and 2002.
Mikel: 'Nigeria should be proud'
23:15 , Chris WilsonFormer Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel had the following to say after the last of the penalties:
“The Nigeria boys should be proud of what they have done. They have come up short against a very good team in Morocco. I think Morocco deserve it.
“Over the 120 minutes they were the better side. They attacked, they looked like they wanted to score goals and win the game. They gave a bit more,” added the former Chelsea man.
Morocco 'very relieved'
23:07 , Chris Wilson“I’m very relieved,” says former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul on E4.
“I know it is very harsh for the Nigerians to lose like this. They have been the most entertaining team in this Afcon and they can be proud of the football they have produced.
“Morocco carry onto the final, they played the more attacking football but now they play against a very good Senegalese team,” he added.
MOROCCO INTO AFCON FINAL!
22:59 , Chris Wilson
MOROCCO BEAT NIGERIA 4-2 ON PENALTIES
22:54 , Chris WilsonMorocco will contest their first Afcon final since 2004, as they face Senegal in Sunday’s showpiece event in Rabat.
Nigeria will take on Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday evening in Casablanca.
MOROCCO BEAT NIGERIA 4-2 ON PENALTIES
22:49 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Youssef En-Nesyri with a confident run up and he priduces the best penalty of the shooutout, fizzing it low and right inti the bottom corner past Nwabali to give the Atlas Lions the win!
Morocco will contest the Afcon final against Senegal on Sunday!
PENALTIES: Nigeria 2-3 Morocco
22:48 , Chris WilsonMISSED!
Bruno Onyemaechi has his poor penalty saved and Morocco will be in the final if they score the next spot kick!
PENALTIES: Nigeria 2-3 Morocco
22:47 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi up next!
As you’d expect, it’s a cool penalty from the captain as he fires past Nwabali.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 2-2 Morocco
22:46 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Dele-Bashiru scores with aplomb, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way as he fires it low.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-2 Morocco
22:45 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
A huge roar as Ben Seghir steps up and dispatches a great penalty, high and past a sprawling Nwabali.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-1 Morocco
22:44 , Chris WilsonMISSED!
Samuel Chukwueze up next. Can he press home the advantage?
He can’t! It’s another poor penalty, and Bounou guesses right to keep it out easily.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-1 Morocco
22:43 , Chris WilsonMISSED!
Hamza Igamane, once of Rangers, is the second to take for the Atlas Lions.
He steps up and sends it low to the left but Nwabali guesses correctly and gets a hand to it!
Not a great penalty but advantage Nigeria!
PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-1 Morocco
22:42 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Onuachu - who replaced Osimhen late on – is first up for Nigeria.
And he scores! Slotted in low and confidently.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 0-1 Morocco
22:41 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
El Aynaoui steps up and slots it confidently, sending Nwabali the wrong way.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:40 , Chris WilsonIt’ll be Morocco to take first. It’s El Aynaoui with the first spot kick.
PENALTIES: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:37 , Chris WilsonThe managers are giving their final words of encouragement ahead of spot kicks. Plenty of nerves around the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
FULL-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:34 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and that is that! We go to penalties to decide who will be joining Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:33 , Chris Wilson120 mins
Just one added minute at the end of extra-time. Nigeria bring on Samuel Chukwueze for Onyeka.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:33 , Chris Wilson119 mins
Plenty of jeers from the home fans as Nigeria keep possession. The locals want this won before spot kicks!
The hosts win possession and Aguerd leads them forward. The cross comes from the right and it’s headed back to El Aynaoui, but his long-distance effort is straight at Nwabali.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:31 , Chris Wilson117 mins
Lookman wins the ball in midfield and tries to slip it in to Dele-Bashiru, but Morocco regroup.
The Super Eagles come again, but not before a surprising change as Victor Osimhen comes off for Paul Onuachu.
Morocco bring off Saibari for Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:28 , Chris Wilson114 mins
A real lull in activity as we edge closer to penalties. A few brief openings have faded because both sets of players are so tired!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:25 , Chris Wilson111 mins
A lot of errors creeping into the game now as both sides give the ball away needlessly on several occasions. Nigeria are looking to play it safe but the hosts seem more keen to get a winner.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:21 , Chris Wilson109 mins
Perhaps some confusion as Diaz – who would surely have been a penalty taker – comes off with over 10 minutes left. He did look out on his feet out there.
Can Nigeria take advantage with one of Morocco’s key players withdrawn?
It’s the hosts with all the possession as the second half begns.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:20 , Chris Wilson107 mins
Another early free-kick for Morocco comes to nothing. The Atlas Lions bring on Akhomach for Brahim Diaz.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:18 , Chris Wilson15 more minutes for someone to find a winner!
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:17 , Chris WilsonBoth managers delivering what could be the final team talk of the evening ahead of the second half.
We’ll be back underway soon!
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:15 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and we’re level again at half-time.
This match desperately needs a goal.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:15 , Chris Wilson105 +1 mins
Just one minute of added time in this first half. En-Nesyri is close to getting a head on a ball into the box before Bassey does well to win a free-kick.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:13 , Chris Wilson105 mins
Another half-chance for Nigeria comes to nothing as someone is penalised in the area.
It’s either a foul or a handball against Osimhen, but it’s difficult to tell considering the ball was nowhere near his arm or hand!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:11 , Chris Wilson103 mins
Another change for the Atlas Lions as Youssef En-Nesyri comes on for Ezzalzouli.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:10 , Chris Wilson102 mins
Another disappointing Nigeria set-piece as Onyemaechi’s ball in doesn’t beat the first defender.
There has been a real lack of quality this evening considering how good some of the players on the pitch are.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:08 , Chris Wilson100 mins
Some pinball in the Nigeria box after a Hakimi cross but it ends with Igamane scuffing an effort that isn’t troubling Nwabali.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:06 , Chris Wilson98 mins
Nigeria win a corner and, quite incredibly, that is their first of the game.
It wasn’t worth waiting for either, with a poor delivery failing to beat the first man.
The Super Eagles make a change as Adams comes off for Dele-Bashiru.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:04 , Chris Wilson96 mins
Half a chance for Igamane as he skips past Onyeka, but he curls well wide from outside the box.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
22:01 , Chris Wilson93 mins
An early corner for Morocco after more good work from Ezzalzouli.
Hakimi swings it in and Aguerd is there at the back post, but he heads against the woodwork! He did well to get it onto the post but the angle meant that it was never going in.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:59 , Chris WilsonA frustrating match for both sides and both sets of fans, but none of that matters now as we have another 30 minutes to try and separate thee two teams!
FULL-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:53 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Some more time for a superb Bassey intervention as he cuts out a cross to the near post.
The referee blows the final whistle and we are heading to extra-time!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:51 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Perhaps the final chance of the 90 for the hosts now. They’re in possession but again, they’re hardly zipping it around quickly.
A wayward pass sees Simon collect the ball before whipping in a cross, but Osimhen can’t make anything of it.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:50 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time as we edge towards extra-time.
Ezzalzouli clips a ball across and Diaz collects, but Igamane can’t make anything of the follow-up.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:48 , Chris Wilson89 mins
In truth it sort of looks like both sides would take extra-time at this point. There certainly isn’t as much urgency as you’d expect from either side.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:46 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Nigeria are still searching for an opener too - rather than sitting back for example – but Lookman is unable to control a clipped ball into the box. It’s been the story of the day for the Super Eagles so far.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:43 , Chris Wilson84 mins
More pressure from Morocco as Ezzalzouli looks to find the far corner but Nwabali pushes it away.
We have the first sub of the days as Moses Simon comes on for Onyedika.
The hosts make changes too, with Hamza Igamane and Oussama Targhalline on for El Kaabi and El Khannouss.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:40 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Replays show that Hakimi’s shot did hit Bassey’s hand, and the defender’s arms weren’t exactly in a natural position by his side...
It’s waved away though!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:39 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Morocco want a penalty for handball as Hakimi’s long-range effort is blocked. It’ll be reviewed!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:38 , Chris Wilson77 mins
A booking for Onyedika here as he shoves Hakimi from behind.
It’s anotjher free-kick in a fairly dangerous position for the hosts, with Ezzalzouli to deliver from around 25 yards out. However, Bassey is there to head clear once more.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:35 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Better from the hosts as Ezzalzouli delivers a great cross that takes Nwabali out of the game, but it’s well defended by the Super Eagles at the expense of a corner.
Hakimi delivers the set-piece but El Kaabi heads wide at the near post.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:31 , Chris Wilson71 mins
One factor in matches with few chances such as this evening is that there’s often a lot of good defending on show, and Calvin Bassey has been very good throughout.
He does brilliantly again to calmly win a free-kick as he prevents El Kaabi from getting clean through.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:29 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Osimhen briefly thinks he has an opening in the Morocco box but his touch takes him a little wide before he’s forced to play backwards.
The referee brings play to a halt for some reason and the Nigeria bench look confused.
Play resumes with a throw-in!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:27 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Almost an opening for both sides.
The first falls to Osimhen, but he can’t get the ball under control in the area.
At the other end, El Kaabi latches onto a through ball but he can’t get it under control either before the ‘keeper comes out to collect.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:23 , Chris Wilson64 mins
More fairly sloppy play from both sides, ending with Mazraoui getting far too much height on a tame cross that Nwabali collects. Very stop-start over the last few minutes, with neither side able to get into any sort of rhythm.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:20 , Chris Wilson61 mins
No subs for either side so far but the game is starting to feel like it might need some. A few players are warming up.
The visitors are starting to enjoy more possession but it isn’t threatening the Atlas Lions at all.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:19 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Morocco do well to win a free-kick on the left wing when playing away from goal.
Ezzalzouli whips it in low towards the near post but Nwabali is equal to it.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:15 , Chris Wilson56 mins
More Nigeria possession here but Morocco aren’t bothered as the Super Eagles knock it around their own half.
Onyeka looks to clip in a cross eventually but it’s never troubling the home defence.
At the other end, Nwabali is off his line well to prevent El Kaabi from having a promising chance.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:12 , Chris Wilson53 mins
CHANCE! A Morocco counter ends with Ezzalzouli curling an effort too close to Nwabali, and it’s out for a corner.
Hakimi delivers the set-piece but Osimhen heads clear.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:10 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Onyedika has the first meaningful shot of the second half as he has a pop from distance, but it’s never troubling the ‘keeper.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:07 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Plenty of jeers around the stadium as Nigeria start the second half with a period of sustained possession.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
21:04 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in the second half! Can either side find a winner in the next 45 as they look to join Senegal in Sunday’s final?
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:59 , Chris WilsonAn intriguing match taking place in Rabat then, even if it hasn’t quite been gripping viewing for the neutral.
There have been few real openings so far, with only half-chances for either side, and the final bit of quality has been missing in attack from both teams.
However, there’s more than enough quality on either side for this one to explode into life at any moment, and it does feel like it could happen at any moment at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
We’ll be back underway soon in the second Afcon semi-final!
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:54 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:48 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and both sides enter the break level.
Not many chances for either side to break the deadlock, though Morocco have probably just about edged that first half based on chances and possession.
It’s all to play for in Rabat!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:47 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of added time at the end of a tense first half. Neither side has made their mark on this one so far.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:45 , Chris Wilson43 mins
There have been a few occasions over the last 10 or 15 minutes in which we’ve been very close to an opening, though the final ball has been lacking that bit of quality. It does feel like we’re getting closer though!
Not a great game for the neutral so far in Rabat, though you can’t blame either side for holding back so far.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:41 , Chris Wilson40 mins
An opening for the Atlas Lions as Onyedika is caught in possession. The hosts work it forward and it ends with Ezzalzouli testing Nwabali from close range, but Nwabali deals with it easily enough.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:40 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Another free-kick in a dangerous area for Morocco. Hakimi delivers but Nwabali manages to get it under control eventually.
Nigeria launch a counter but Adams is too isolated at the other end of the pitch.
And we have another brief break due to a problem with the referee's ear piece.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:38 , Chris Wilson35 mins
A brief break in play as Ezzalzouli is down, though he looks fine to carry on.
The stats show Nigeria have one shot to Morocco’s five so far this evening.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:36 , Chris Wilson33 mins
The free-kick is on the right-hand edge of the area, about 20 yards out. Hakimi opts to hit it but it goes narrowly wide of the near post.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:35 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Another brief opening for Nigeria as they try and hit the hosts on the break, but the final pass is wayward once again.
At the other end, Bassey is booked for raising an arm when preventing Diaz from skipping past him on the edge of the box.
On replay, that’s not even a foul – seriously poor refereeing there, and the Super Eagles will hope they can get that rescinded if possible.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:30 , Chris Wilson28 mins
CHANCE! Finally some openings.
Excitement among the home fans as Hakimi wins a corner. The Morocco captain swings it in and it’s nodded down to El Kaabi, who is unmarked but he can’t get his foot around it with his back to goal.
Moments later, Hakimi gets free down the right but his cross is headed wide by Diaz.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:28 , Chris Wilson26 mins
A real lack of quality in the attacking third from both sides so far. Some speculative balls forward have simply gone straight out of play over the last few minutes.
Onyedika threads a ball through to Adams in the box but the striker was under too much pressure this time.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:26 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Not a great flow to the game so far, as it’s stayed cagey early on. No real chances of note for either side.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:22 , Chris Wilson20 mins
A free-kick in a dangerous position for Morocco. El Khannouss swings it in but Aynaoui can only head wide from distance.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:19 , Chris Wilson17 mins
A Morocco corner is headed away easily and Nigeria counter, but it comes to nothing.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:16 , Chris Wilson14 mins
A half-chance for Nigeria now as Lookman swivels and tests Bono with an effort from long range. The ‘keeper beats it away easily enough.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:14 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Both sides have given possession away far too easily on a few occasions already. Both are happy to sit back at the moment, and it’s been a fairly cagey opening here.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
CLOSE!
Almost an opening for Diaz and Ezzalzouli, though Bassey is back to clear.
The hosts come again though, with Diaz cutting back outside and curling one past the far post.
That one wasn’t far away!
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:07 , Chris Wilson6 mins
The first attack of note for Nigeria sees Lookman play a clever pass into the path of an overlapping Osayi-Samuel, but the full-back commits a foul as he battles for the ball in the Morocco box.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:04 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Almost the first opening of the game for Morocco as Ajayi gives the ball away cheaply. Saibari intercepts and drives towards goal but the Nigeria defender manages to make up for his initial mistake with a good sliding challenge.
Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Some early possession for the hosts as they knock it around confidently in their half.
Plenty of boos and jeers whenever the Super Eagles take possession.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Morocco
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in the second semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hosts Morocco take on Nigeria for a place in Sunday’s final against Senegal.
Nigeria vs Morocco live
19:55 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, so we’ll be underway soon in the second semi-final!
Nigeria vs Morocco live
19:50 , Chris Wilson“They have players who can win the game with individual brilliance, but so do we,” says former Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel on E4.
“We have to play well, we have to defend well. If you want to win tournaments like this then you have to be on the front foot. Defensively, we’re so solid,” he adds as he explains how the Super Eagles can win this evening.
Not long until kick-off in Rabat now!
Nigeria vs Morocco live
19:45 , Chris Wilson
When is Nigeria vs Morocco?
19:40 , Chris WilsonWe’re just 20 minutes from kick-off in Rabat, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch the second Afcon semi-fina.
Nigeria’s clash with Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals kicks off at 8pm GMT at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Morocco.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on E4, with coverage starting at 7:30pm. Fans can also stream the game online using Channel 4’s online streaming service.
Afcon top scorers
19:35 , Chris WilsonFour players from this match will have a decent chance of finishing the tournament as top scorer, with Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman all in the hunt for the golden boot.
Díaz is the outright leader ahead of kick-off with five goals so far, with Osimhen one behind on four goals from his five matches.
Both Lookman and El Kaabi have three goals each.
Here is the top scorer list in full:
1 - Brahim Díaz - 5 goals
2 - Victor Osimhen - 4 goals
=2 - Mo Salah - 4 goals
4 - Ademola Lookman - 3 goals
=4 - Ayoub El Kaabi - 3 goals
=4 - Amad Diallo - 3 goals
=4 - Riyadh Mahrez - 3 goals
=4 - Lassine Sinayoko - 3 goals
5 - Akor Adams - 2 goals
Morocco coach slams Afcon refereeing conspiracy theorists: ‘It’s a shame to go down this path’
19:30 , Chris WilsonMorocco coach Walid Regragui has firmly rejected suggestions that officials at the Africa Cup of Nations have shown favouritism towards the host nation.
Conspiracy theories alleging leniency from tournament referees have been circulating among some broadcast pundits and online supporters, but Regragui dismissed these claims outright.
"It's always a shame to go down this path," he told a press conference on Tuesday as Morocco prepared to take on Nigeria in their semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.
Morocco coach dismisses claims Afcon refs are favouring host nation
Afcon semi-final result
19:25 , Chris WilsonSenegal have just secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Egypt in the other semi-final, with the winning goal coming from none other than Sadio Mane!
The Lions of Teranga have booked the first place in Sunday’s final in Rabat.
Everton target Youssef En-Nesyri to solve goalscoring woes
19:18 , Chris WilsonSome transfer news involving an experienced Morocco striker...
Everton are considering Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri as David Moyes looks to add more goals to his side.
They are yet to make a move for the Fenerbahce forward, who is a target for Nottingham Forest, but are interested in the 28-year-old.
But Everton have only had six goals from centre-forwards all season, with Thierno Barry and Beto both on three, and each missed a penalty in the shootout as they exited the FA Cup to Sunderland.
Team news
19:12 , Chris WilsonNigeria manager Éric Chelle has made just one change to the XI that convincingly beat Algeria last time out, with Wilfred Ndidi making way for Raphael Onyedika in midfield.
He is supported by Premier League duo Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, with Ademola Lookman in a more advanced role and the striking duo of Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen once again trusted to lead the line.
Team news
19:08 , Chris WilsonMorocco boss Walid Regragui has named the same starting XI as the one that beat Cameroon in the quarter-finals. Key defenders Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui retain their places, with Neil El Aynaoui anchoring midfield.
Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari provide attacking support to a forward line led by Ayoub El Kaabi and Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz, who remains in contention for the tournament’s golden boot.
Line-ups
19:03 , Chris WilsonNigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman; Adams, Osimhen.
Subs: Uzoho, Simon, Awaziem, Mohammed, Ejuke, Nnadi, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze, Akinsanmiro, Sanusi, Ogbu, Lawal, Obasogie, Onuachu
Line-ups
19:01 , Chris WilsonMorocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; El Khannouss, Saibari; Diaz, El Kaabi Ezzalzouli.
Subs: El Kajoui; Al Harrar; Amrabat, Igamane, Rahimi, Ben Seghir, Chibi, Targhalline, Akhomach, El Yamiq, En-Nesyri, Talbi, Eddine, Belammari, Ait Boudlal.
التشكيلة الرسمية لـ منتخبنا الوطني أمام منتخب نيجيريا
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) January 14, 2026
🚨Tonight’s 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙓𝙄 against Nigeria#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/vqFrmkgBt3
Team news
18:50 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released at any point between now and the next 10 minutes or so, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Morocco have also had to contend with their fair share of injuries this tournament but the return of captain and star man Achraf Hakimi suggested they had survived the worst of it. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, remains sidelined with a calf problem, alongside Romain Saiss.
Nigeria have had no problems up front but have been dealt a worrying blow in defensive midfield with captain Wilfred Ndidi suspended after accumulating bookings. There are also concerns over the fitness of Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was forced off late against Algeria.
Afcon schedule
18:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s the remainder of the Afcon schedule then, with a reminder that the other semi-final between Egypt and Senegal is currently being played.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Semi-finals
Nigeria v Morocco | 8:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Third-place play-off
Semi-final 1 Loser v Semi-final 2 Loser | 4:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Final
Semi-final 1 Winner v Semi-final 2 Winner | 7:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
18:30 , Chris WilsonThe Africa Cup of Nations is nearing its climax with the semi-finals set to bring the drama, and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Hosts Morocco are also the tournament favourites, but the Africa Cup of Nations still looks wide open with Senegal, Nigeria and Egypt all harbouring realistic ambitions of lifting the crown.
Victor Osimhen helps Nigeria soar past Algeria into Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals
18:19 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s a recap of Nigeria’s impressive win over Algeria last time out...
Strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams grabbed second-half goals as Nigeria powered to a deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final to set up a meeting with hosts Morocco in the last four.
Osimhen steered home a long cross from the left by Bruno Onyemaechi two minutes into the second half as Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane made a bizarre jump to try and stop the effort but ended up getting his angles wrong and conceding an easy goal.
Victor Osimhen helps Nigeria soar past Algeria into Afcon semi-finals
Morocco seal first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with convincing win over Cameroon
18:12 , Chris WilsonThe first of the reports from the quarter-finals as Morocco got past Cameroon...
Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.
Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty in the second half after what looked like a foul on Bryan Mbeumo but they too battled in the final third and did not force home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a save in the 90 minutes.
Morocco seal first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with convincing win over Cameroon
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
