Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi says AFCON hosts Morocco are looking ‘scary’ ahead of Wednesday evening’s semi-final in Rabat.
Alex Iwobi Cautious of ‘Scary’ Morocco
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi believes Morocco are looking ‘scary’ ahead of his side’s semi-final clash against the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts in Rabat on Wednesday evening.
The Fulham midfielder, who is set to break an AFCON record, revealed that he and his Nigeria teammates tuned in as Achraf Hakimi and co overcame Cameroon in the quarter-finals.
Morocco claimed a 2-0 win over David Pagou’s side, with Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz netting the opener before impressive PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari doubled the lead.
Nigeria, meanwhile, cruised to a 2-0 triumph over Algeria in their quarter-final fixture.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘Alexander Yaa Digg’, Iwobi gave an honest assessment about the Super Eagles’ semi-final opponents while emphasising the belief he has in his teammates.
“Just seeing Morocco beat Cameroon, Morocco looking decent, looking scary, but still hopeful we can meet them next round,” the Arsenal academy graduate told his subscribers.
“We have to believe, so we can achieve. Our team is good.”
The Super Eagles head into the tie as the only side to boast a 100% record at AFCON 2025.
Victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group stages were followed up by a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 and the aforementioned 2-0 win over Algeria in the quarters.
Morocco, meanwhile, have won all but one of their matches. They have beaten the Comoros, Zambia, Tanzania and Cameroon but were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali during the group stage.
Nigeria Eye First AFCON Title Since 2013
Should Nigeria defeat Morocco in the semi-finals, they will be within touching distance of a first AFCON title since their historic win in South Africa back in 2013.
That was their third AFCON title, and they have since recorded a third place finish in Egypt in 2019, as well as a second place finish in the most recent edition of the competition in 2023.
Reclaiming Africa’s most prestigious title won’t come easy for Eric Chelle’s side though, with the hosting Atlas Lions posing the biggest threat they’ve faced at the tournament thus far.
Walid Regragui’s men are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the title, as they head into the semi-finals boasting an incredible 25-game unbeaten record across all competitions.
It’s a run that stretches all the way back to their last 16 exit at the 2023 edition of the finals.
Additionally, they will have a huge home advantage when they take to the field at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday, while the Super Eagles are also without their captain.
As revealed in the latest Nigeria injury update, former Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is struggling with a hamstring strain. Regardless of his fitness status, he is suspended for the clash.
Ndidi is reportedly in contention to make his return for the final should the Super Eagles qualify.
