The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday departed Marrakech for Fez, Morocco, amid growing excitement and rising expectations ahead of their blockbuster AFCON 2025 semi-final showdown against host nation Morocco.
The journey to Fez marks another significant step in Nigeria’s impressive campaign at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament where the Super Eagles have not only delivered results but also captured the imagination of fans and pundits across the continent.
A Confident Arrival, A Nation’s Hope
Calm, focused and brimming with confidence, the Nigerian contingent travelled in high spirits, buoyed by a series of commanding performances that have positioned them as one of the outright favourites to lift the AFCON trophy.
Team officials confirmed that the players arrived safely in Fez and immediately settled into preparations, fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead facing a well-supported Moroccan side on home soil.
Yet, within the Super Eagles camp, belief remains unshaken.
A Tournament Defined by Dominance
Nigeria’s journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of exceptional. The Super Eagles boast a perfect record at AFCON 2025, winning all five matches played so far, a historic feat that underlines their dominance.
From the group stage to the knockout rounds, Nigeria have combined tactical discipline, attacking flair and defensive solidity, scoring freely while remaining resolute at the back. Their quarter-final victory over Algeria, a 2–0 masterclass powered by goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, was widely hailed as one of the tournament’s most convincing performances.
Remarkably, Nigeria became the first team in AFCON history to win their opening five matches of a single edition, further strengthening their credentials as title contenders.
Star Power Meets Team Spirit
Much of Nigeria’s success has been driven by the form of their star players. Victor Osimhen, has been a constant menace to opposing defences, while Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi have all played pivotal roles.
Beyond individual brilliance, however, it is the unity and collective spirit of the squad that has truly stood out. Under head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have displayed tactical maturity, adaptability and hunger traits that often define champions.
Even off the pitch, the team has shown resilience, overcoming challenges related to logistics and unpaid bonuses without allowing distractions to derail their focus.
Africa Is Watching
Across Africa and beyond, analysts now rank Nigeria among the top favourites to win AFCON 2025, alongside Morocco, Senegal and Egypt. Praise has poured in from rival coaches and players, including Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez, who publicly tipped Nigeria as strong contenders for the title.
The Super Eagles’ rich AFCON pedigree champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013, with several runner-up finishes further fuels expectations that this generation could add a fourth continental crown to Nigeria’s storied football history.
Fez Beckons, History Awaits
As the team settles in Fez, attention turns fully to Wednesday night’s semi-final, a clash loaded with drama, rivalry and continental significance. Morocco, playing before a passionate home crowd, will pose Nigeria’s toughest test yet.
But for the Super Eagles, this moment represents opportunity.
A chance to silence the hosts.
A chance to reach the AFCON final once again.
A chance to bring Nigeria closer to continental glory.
From Marrakech to Fez, the journey continues and with it, the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians.
