By our reporter 15.1.2026
Morocco coach Walid Regragui has admitted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles stretched the Atlas Lions beyond their limits, saying they are the best team they met in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament so far.
Against all odds the Super Eagles prevented the Moroccans from having a field day in the semi-final of the AFCON played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The nervy encounter ended in favour of the Atlas Lions in a penalty shootout. Nigeria missed two of their kicks while Morocco missed one.
“It was a very strong match because Nigeria are a strong team,” Regragui said.
“They caused us problems. It was a game with the value of a final, not a semifinal.”
“These kinds of matches are decided by details…We did everything to score and to win during normal time, but in the end the draw was deserved. Thankfully, we delivered in the penalty shootout,” Regragui said.
“I thank the Nigerian team,” he said. “They are the best team we have played against in this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Morocco must now beat Senegal on Sunday to get their hands on the AFCON title for the first time since 1976
“There will be clear physical fatigue that we must manage well,” he said. “We want to make our people happy. They deserve to win this Africa Cup.”