AFCON 2025 Semi-final: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Vs Morocco Starting Line-ups

Attention in Rabat tonight is firmly fixed on the names selected to start as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Morocco prepare for a high-stakes African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final at 9 p.m. (WAT).

Both coaches have resisted the temptation to experiment, opting instead for trusted combinations. Nigeria line up in a familiar 4-3-1-2 shape, with Stanley Nwabali retaining his place in goal after another assured display in the quarter-final.

Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi provide energy from full-back, while Semi Ajayi partners Calvin Bassey at the heart of defence.

Frank Onyeka anchors midfield, allowing Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi to dictate tempo further forward. Ademola Lookman starts wide with licence to drift inside, supporting Victor Osimhen, who again leads the line and wears the captain’s armband.

For Morocco, the emphasis is on balance and discipline with a 4-1-4-1 formation. Bono continues between the posts behind a defence marshalled by Achraf Hakimi, whose leadership from right-back is central to the hosts’ game.

Nayef Aguerd and Adam Masina form a solid central pairing, with Noussair Mazraoui completing the back four. Neil El Aynaoui sits deepest in midfield, freeing Brahim Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss to link play and carry the creative burden.

Out wide, Ismael Saibari and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli offer pace and directness, while Ayoub El Kaabi leads the attack.

Starting Line-ups for Morocco vs Nigeria AFCON Clash

Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka; Onyedika, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen; Adams.

Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Diaz, El Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi.