Hidden Weapon in the Morocco Camp: Nigeria's Star Poised to Disrupt AFCON Semifinals
14 January 2026
Overview
Nigeria sports a roster of prominent players as it prepares to face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, with Victor Osimhen driving the attack as Nigeria seeks a place in the final.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation's official site, the camp remains confident and focused, with players adhering to a strict daily schedule at the team hotel and at the Mohammed VI complex in Rabat.
Conversely, sources from the Moroccan camp express concern about the impact of Nigerian midfielder Alexander Iwobi, described as the team's hidden weapon ahead of the clash.
The Hidden Weapon
Iwobi has already shown his impact, delivering 22 passes that broke defensive lines against Mozambique in the 4-0 quarterfinal win and adding 14 more against Algeria in the quarterfinal in Marrakech. Nigeria won both matches, scoring six goals while conceding none.
The 29-year-old, who earned his first Nigeria cap in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Belgium on October 8, 2015, also supplied the two decisive assists for Nigeria's opening goals in the current tournament, during the 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fez on December 23.
He is set to play his 96th international match today against Morocco.
Milestone and Outlook
As the semifinal unfolds, all eyes are on Iwobi to provide the decisive spark that could tilt the balance in favor of the Super Eagles. With Osimhen leading the line and a compact Moroccan defense, Nigeria hopes to reach the final.
Punchlines from the bench: Iwobi’s passes are so precise they could guide a GPS through a maze. If football were dating, Morocco would be waiting for a text that never comes—because Iwobi keeps delivering replies on the field. And if you think the ball is stubborn, wait until Iwobi shows it a few more spaces to run into.
