Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria vs Morocco Match Preview, Prediction, TV channels & Lineups
Heavyweights Nigeria and Morocco clash in a blockbuster AFCON semi-final at Rabat. The Super Eagles boast a perfect winning record, while the hosts lean on a tournament-best defense and home support.
Kick Off Time?
Competition (round): Africa Cup of Nations (Semi-final)
Kick-off (GMT): 20:00, Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Stadium, location: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Match Facts
Nigeria enters as the "team to beat" with five wins from five matches and a tournament-high 14 goals. Hosts Morocco are also unbeaten, conceding only once in the entire competition.
Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the quarter-final. Morocco is missing creative midfielder Azzedine Ounahi due to a calf injury.
The match features a duel between Nigeria's Victor Osimhen (4 goals) and Morocco's Brahim Díaz, who has scored in five consecutive games—matching a 58-year-old AFCON record.
This is the first AFCON meeting between these sides in 22 years. While Morocco leads the overall head-to-head (6 wins to 3), all five previous AFCON meetings have produced a definitive winner.
A sell-out crowd of 68,000 is expected to provide an intimidating "12th man" advantage for the Atlas Lions.
Possible lineup:
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
Prediction of AI
Win Probability: AI models give Morocco a slight edge (52%) primarily due to home advantage and defensive solidity. Nigeria’s win probability is rated at 48%.
Likely Scoreline: Most AI simulations predict a tight 2-1 victory, with models split on which side will prevail. Many analysts suggest the game may go to extra time or penalties.
Key Stat: Nigeria has a 21% shot conversion rate (best in the tournament), while Morocco has kept four clean sheets in five games.
How to Watch Nigeria vs Morocco in the UK and US?
In the UK: The match is broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 4. It can also be streamed via the Channel 4 app or the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
In the US: Exclusive coverage is provided by beIN Sports and beIN Sports en Español, available to stream on Fubo, Fanatiz, and Sling TV.
TV Channel and Live Stream: You can also follow Xscore808 live updates for other countries.
