12.1.2026
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face the hardest test of their intention to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against hosts Morocco Wednesday in Rabat, but according to French-born coach Jullien Mette the Atlas Lions have every reason to be worried.
Though the Atlas Lions will be playing in front of their home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, they would have to find a way to stop the Nigerian attack featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams. The Super Eagles also have a solid midfield that have stamped its authority in all their games so far, with Alex Iwobi calling the shots while Frank Onyeka and Rapheal Onyedika who will probably start in place of suspended Wilfred Ndidi have provided cover and efficient ball recovery.
“Nigeria are the strongest offensively. They have more weapons, with their attacking trio, notably Lookman and Osimhen, in addition to Chukwueze who can come on as a substitute, and Akor Adams who has surprised us in this edition,” Mette who is coach to Congolese side AS Otoho told Elbotola.
“For me, Nigeria has more attacking options, while Morocco doesn’t rest, but Brahim Diaz stands out enormously, and when he comes off, you wonder who will finish the chances. However, there is a clear Moroccan plan based on high ball possession.”
The Super Eagles firepower notwithstanding, the Moroccans have players of their own who can win games, they include Brahim Diaz who so far is the leading goal scorer of AFCON 2025, Ayoub El Kaabi who has three goals to his credit, Nayef Aguerd, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and inspirational captain Achraf Hakimi.