AFCON 2025 Semi-Final: Five Moroccan Stars the Super Eagles Must Stop to Reach the Final

Nigeria’s Super Eagles face their toughest test yet at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they meet host nation Morocco in a high-stakes semi-final showdown, with a place in the final of Africa’s biggest football tournament on the line.

The Super Eagles arrive in the last four with momentum firmly on their side. They boast a flawless run so far, scoring 14 goals and keeping two clean sheets, making them the most potent attacking force at AFCON 2025.

Morocco, however, present a different kind of challenge. Backed by home support and coached by Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have built their campaign on defensive resilience. They have conceded just once in the tournament — a penalty against Mali — while recording four clean sheets.

As both sides prepare for a decisive clash, these five Moroccan players could prove pivotal and will demand Nigeria’s full attention.

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Brahim Díaz — Morocco’s Creative Spark

Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz has been one of AFCON 2025’s standout performers. The 24-year-old is the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, having found the net in every match he has featured in.

Díaz earned a place in the Team of the Tournament after the group stage and has maintained his scoring streak through the knockout rounds. His pace, dribbling and sharp finishing make him Morocco’s most dangerous attacking weapon — and a major threat to Nigeria’s backline.

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Achraf Hakimi — Experience and Width

Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi brings elite-level experience and leadership to Morocco’s side. The reigning African Player of the Year enjoyed a trophy-laden season with PSG and remains one of the continent’s most influential defenders.

Despite fitness concerns ahead of the tournament, Hakimi returned during the group stage and has since made his mark, including an assist against Tanzania in the round of 16. His speed, overlapping runs and quality delivery from wide areas could stretch Nigeria’s defence.

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Noussair Mazraoui — Composure at the Back

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has been central to Morocco’s defensive solidity. Operating primarily on the right, he blends discipline with technical assurance and calmness in possession.

Named in the AFCON group-stage Best XI, Mazraoui plays a key role in Morocco’s build-up play while offering consistent defensive cover. His ability to support attacks without compromising shape adds balance to Regragui’s system.

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Yassine Bounou — The Last Line of Defence

At 34, Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remains one of Africa’s most dependable shot-stoppers. Often regarded as the continent’s finest goalkeeper, Bounou has kept four clean sheets in five matches at AFCON 2025.

The only goal he has conceded came from the penalty spot. His reflexes, positioning and big-game experience mean Nigeria will need to be ruthless in front of goal to beat him.

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Ayoub El Kaabi — The Unexpected Finisher

Ayoub El Kaabi has emerged as one of the tournament’s most talked-about figures. The 32-year-old Olympiakos striker has scored three goals, including two spectacular overhead kicks that have captured global attention.

Nicknamed “El-Kaabicycle” by fans, El Kaabi’s movement, aerial strength and instinct in the box make him a constant threat. Alongside Díaz, he forms a formidable attacking duo capable of unsettling Nigeria’s defence.

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With contrasting styles set to collide — Nigeria’s attacking flair against Morocco’s defensive steel — the semi-final promises drama, intensity and fine margins. For the Super Eagles, containing these five Moroccan stars could be the key to another AFCON final.