When Diaz Meets Osimhen: Morocco and Nigeria Clash in AFCON 2025 Semifinal

AFCON 2025 Semifinal Preview: Morocco vs Nigeria

Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui revealed the Atlas Lions' lineup for the continental semifinal against Nigeria, scheduled for Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat as part of AFCON 2025.

The Moroccan team sticks with the XI that started the quarterfinal win over Cameroon, hoping to advance to the final with the home crowd behind them.

Morocco's official XI features Yassine Bono in goal, a back line of Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina and Noussair Mazraoui, a midfield trio of Nayel Ainawi, Bilal Khennous and Ismail Sijbari, and a forward line including Abde Ezzalzouli, Ayoub El Kaabi and Ibrahim Diaz.

The substitutes on hand include a deep bench ready to impact the game as needed.

Nigeria's starting XI is also confirmed, with a goalkeeper named Noabi Li and a defensive line that includes Onyimaitechi, Basi, Ajayi and Samuel; in midfield are Iwobi, Onidi ka and Oni ka, while the attack features Lookman, Adams and Osimhen.

The two teams approach the clash with Morocco riding high on home support and Nigeria looking to upset the hosts and secure a place in the final, pursuing Africa's premier prize.

In short, expect a tactical chess match with moments of individual brilliance from Diaz and Osimhen and a crowd ready to lift the Atlas Lions to a historic final.

Punchline 1: If the ball had a social life, it would be tagging both teams in every highlight reel. Punchline 2: This semifinal is so dramatic even the popcorn is getting booked for a cameo.