Ex-PSL coach: 'Nigeria will lose to Morocco'

Former Chippa United coach Luc Eymael has detailed why he believes Nigeria stand no chance against Morocco ahead of their AFCON semi-final clash.

The Super Eagles beat Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 to reach the semifinals, setting up a clash with hosts Morocco, who overcame Cameroon by the same score.

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Although many regard Nigeria as the favourites following their impressive quarter-final win, Eymael remains unconvinced by their overall performance.

With Morocco playing at home and in top form, Eymael, who also coached Polokwane City and Black Leopards in the PSL, believes the hosts have the edge and are more likely to secure a victory.

"They (Nigeria) will lose to Morocco, before the AFCON, DR Congo beat them (Nigeria), and they will be playing against a very good Morocco side, who are playing their best football so far," Eymael told Flashscore.

"Morocco will be playing at home, the crowd will be behind them, the players know they have to do it (qualify), so it will not be an easy game for Nigeria. The game will not have a huge scoreline, but both teams will score, and Morocco will definitely qualify for the final.

"Nigeria depends too much on Victor (Osimhen), and Ademola (Lookman), and for example, you can see when the goalkeeper of Chippa United is always giving a long ball, his target is on the two players, Osimhen or Lookman.

"If Morocco manages to close down these two players, and shut them down completely, then Nigeria will have nowhere to hide, they won’t move upfront, they won’t score, and it will be the end of them at AFCON.

"For example, against DR Congo, the two players were completely shut down before Osimhen came out owing to injury," he added.

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"They didn’t shine in the game. If Morocco manages to prevent Osimhen and Lookman from playing properly, Nigeria will not be Nigeria anymore. Nigeria will not be a threat. The third very dangerous player for Nigeria is Alex (Iwobi), who is having a great AFCON."

The clash is scheduled for 22:00 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday.

Related tags

2025 Africa Cup Of Nations Luc Eymael Morocco Nigerian National Team Super Eagles