Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has delivered a candid assessment of the formidable challenge awaiting Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. Speaking on the Alexander Yaa Digg YouTube channel, the Fulham playmaker characterized the Moroccan national team as a “scary” opponent following their dominant performances on home soil.
Nigeria secured their spot in the final four after a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakesh, but Iwobi acknowledges that the upcoming clash in Rabat presents a significantly higher level of difficulty as they face the tournament hosts.
The Atlas Lions have emerged as the team to beat in this edition, boasting a star-studded roster that includes Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, and Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz. Morocco’s offensive potency is further bolstered by the clinical finishing of Fenerbahçe’s Youssef En-Nesyri and Olympiakos striker Ayoub El Kaabi. Iwobi revealed that he closely monitored Morocco’s 2-0 quarter-final triumph over Cameroon, an experience that reinforced his respect for their tactical discipline and defensive resilience.
“The night before the game [against Algeria] just watched Morocco beat Cameroon. Morocco looks good, looks scary. But we still hope to face them…We have to believe, so we can achieve. Our team is good,” Iwobi said during his appearance on the digital platform.
The stakes remain historically high for both nations as they converge on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium this Wednesday, January 14. Nigeria aims to end a twelve-year trophy drought and secure their first continental title since 2013, while Morocco is desperately chasing its first AFCON trophy since 1976. The North African side’s ability to seamlessly transition from a robust defense to a high-velocity attack has made them the focal point of tournament analysis, placing immense pressure on the Nigerian midfield to maintain control of the tempo.
A victory for the Super Eagles would secure their second consecutive appearance in an AFCON final, following their runner-up finish in the previous edition. Despite the intimidating atmosphere expected in the capital, Iwobi maintains that the Nigerian squad possesses the internal quality and mental fortitude required to silence the home crowd. The match represents a clash of philosophies between Morocco’s structured European-style play and Nigeria’s explosive, direct attacking threats, promising one of the most tactical encounters of the 2025 tournament.
About the Author
