The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Atlas Lions of Morocco are preparing to battle it out for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on Wednesday, Footynaija.com reports.
Both nations come into this encounter in top shape after recording huge wins in their respective quarterfinal games with Morocco eliminating Cameroon while the Super Eagles made light work of Algeria.
The Atlas Lions in particular will be buoyed by the advantage of home support out there in Rabat as they aim to reach an Africa Cup of Nations final for only the third time in their history.
As both nations prepare to go all out on Wednesday, here are three Atlas Lions who could very well cause so many headaches for the Super Eagles.
3. Ayoub El Kaabi – FW
El Kaabi has enjoyed a really impressive AFCON campaign, leading the line for Morocco so far. After coming off the bench to score in the Atlas Lions’ opening game of the tournament, the 32-year-old striker has started each of their last four.
In that time, he has managed another brace of goals and one assist. El Kaabi has also produced some of the most magical moments at AFCON 2025, courtesy of those two overhead kicks in his goal catalog.
The Super Eagles must be wary of the vastly experienced striker, whose movement off the ball and ability to fashion out goals from almost harmless situations, will pose a lot of danger in Rabat.
2. Achraf Hakimi – DF
The reigning African Player of the Year is back to full fitness and firing for Morocco after virtually missing out on group stage action due to an injury setback.
Hakimi is arguably the player in the world when it comes to that right back position, with his ability to not just defend but also contribute to devastating effect in attack, a major cause for worry.
The Super Eagles will need to keep a watchful eye on the Paris Saint-Germain star and perhaps, come up with a strategy to keep him preoccupied with his defensive duties.
1. Brahim Diaz – FW
Diaz has been the star man for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and in this game, he will almost certainly pose the biggest threat to Nigeria’s defense.
So far, the Real Madrid man has scored in all five of the Atlas Lions’ games at the ongoing tournament to match a 58-year-old record set by former Ghanaian striker Osei Kofi.
The 26-year-old will be looking to break that record against the Super Eagles so the three-time African champions must pay close attention to him in this encounter.
