AFCON 2025: Semi-final preview - Nigeria vs Morocco, head to head and how to watch live

[(Nigeria) Strength]:
1. A top forward line consisting of Osimhen (Galatasaray, 4 goals), Lookman (Atalanta, 3 goals), and Akor Adams (Sevilla, 2 goals) forms the foundation for the team's victories.
2. Nigeria currently face pressure in defensive rotation, with some midfielders carrying yellow cards and at risk of suspension, which will affect the team's defensive quality.
3. Nigeria easily defeated Algeria 2-0 in their last match, maintaining a perfect record of five wins in the group stage and securing a spot in the semi-final, with team morale high.
4. Nigeria have scored 14 goals in their last five matches, with their attack firing on all cylinders, leading the entire tournament in offensive capability.
5. Nigeria have conceded 4 goals in their last five matches, with their defensive performance also commendable.
6. Nigeria have covered the spread in their last four matches, with their recent performance in covering the spread meeting external expectations.

[(Nigeria) Neutral]:
1. Coach Chelle primarily uses a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession (57.4% possession in the quarter-final, 83% pass success rate) and wing attacks, with fast transitions between attack and defense.

[(Morocco) Strength]:
1. Diaz from Real Madrid has scored in five consecutive matches, becoming the absolute key figure in the team's attack.
2. Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their last match, achieving a record of four wins and one draw in this tournament, with performance equally commendable.
3. Morocco currently rank 11th in the world, the highest among African nations, with overall strength slightly superior to Nigeria.
4. As the host nation of this tournament, Morocco will have the advantage of 'home ground' in this match.
5. Morocco have scored 9 goals in their last five matches, with their offensive performance not inferior to Nigeria's.
6. Morocco have conceded only one goal in the group stage, with their defense led by Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui showing excellent competitive form.
7. The two teams have faced each other twice, with Morocco having one win and one draw, maintaining an unbeaten record and holding a psychological advantage.

[(Morocco) Neutral]:
1. Morocco have seen 4 of their last 5 games end with UNDER, indicating a relatively conservative overall style.

[Tips]:
Nigeria boast a luxurious forward line led by Osimhen, having won all five group stage matches with high morale. They have scored 14 goals in their last five games, leading the tournament in firepower. They primarily employ a 4-3-3 possession-based tactic with fast transitions between attack and defense. However, their defensive rotation is under pressure, and several midfielders carry yellow cards, posing defensive vulnerabilities. Morocco, as the hosts, rank first in Africa in the world rankings, with four wins and one draw in their last five matches. Diaz has scored in five consecutive games, and their defense, led by Achraf Hakimi, has conceded only one goal, showing considerable solidity. Historically, Morocco have one win and one draw against Nigeria, giving them an advantage. Based on comprehensive analysis of various data, this match is more recommended for Morocco to win and advance.

[Recommended]:
Morocco (-0/0.5)