Nigeria’s status as a leading contender for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown has been further solidified after former Djibouti coach Julien Mette praised the Super Eagles as being superior to host nation Morocco. This comes ahead of their anticipated semi-final clash in Rabat.

The Super Eagles, who have claimed the continental title three times, are set to face the Atlas Lions on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Notably, both squads have maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.

Nonetheless, Nigeria seems to have the upper hand when considering recent form, team balance, and performance metrics, which all favor the Super Eagles.

Morocco, buoyed by the support of their home crowd, has secured four victories and one draw, including a composed 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Despite their impressive run, questions linger about Morocco’s ability to withstand the relentless pace and vigor that Nigeria has consistently demonstrated.

Nigeria’s dominance raising alarms

Nigeria arrive in Rabat as the competition’s most prolific side. The Super Eagles have scored 14 goals in five matches, a national record at AFCON, and remain the only team with a perfect record, having beaten Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria.

Their quarter-final display against Algeria stood out as a statement performance. Facing one of Africa’s most highly rated sides, Nigeria controlled the contest from start to finish, limited the Desert Foxes to no shots on target and could have won by a wider margin than the 2-0 scoreline suggested.

That performance has triggered unease among sections of the Moroccan fanbase, aware that their team are yet to face an opponent of similar physical and tactical intensity.

Mette switches stance

French coach Julien Mette, who had earlier backed Morocco to lift the trophy, has now revised his view after Nigeria’s latest performances.

Speaking on After Foot RMC, Mette said: “Offensively, Nigeria is superior to Morocco. On the Moroccan side, there’s Brahim Diaz emerging, but if he goes out… Nigeria can do everything, hurt you on the break, in structured play, and from set pieces.”

He also highlighted Nigeria’s physical edge. “There is no team equivalent to Nigeria in terms of athletic data, strength and combativeness in duels. To beat them, Morocco will have to find solutions elsewhere.”

History adds extra edge

Nigeria are chasing a fourth AFCON crown, while Morocco are seeking their first title since 1976. This will be the sixth AFCON meeting between both nations and their first in 22 years.

All five previous encounters produced a winner, including the 1980 semi-final, when Nigeria edged Morocco 1-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.