So far, Morocco and Nigeria remain unbeaten in the 2025 edition. While Nigeria have won five matches, Morocco have recorded four wins and a draw. Morocco reached the last four after defeating Cameroon 2-0 at the same venue, while Nigeria saw off Algeria 2-0 at Stade de Marrakech.
This will be the sixth time Morocco and Nigeria are meeting in AFCON, the first meeting in 22 years, and the second in an AFCON semi-final.
With Morocco playing their first semi-final in AFCON after 22 years, Regragui believes the Nigeria fixture will be one of the most important since the World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022.
During the showpiece in Qatar, Morocco topped their group that included Croatia, Canada and Belgium, before they defeated Spain and Portugal, becoming the first African and first Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Morocco hope to live up to the spectacle
“It has been a very long time since Morocco participated in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. So, we are already very happy,” Regragui told reporters at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
“This is Nigeria’s 17th semi-final, which shows their strength and consistency. It’s good for African football, and we hope to live up to the spectacle.”
Regragui added: “All that matters to us is winning. Tomorrow’s (Wednesday) match is one of the most important in our history since the World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022. At the World Cup, it was a surprise; here, we are where we belong.”
On what strategy he wants to deploy against Nigeria, the 50-year-old responded: “They have the style and the substance to change. We cannot afford the first half against Tanzania or the last 20 minutes against Cameroon.
“It will be a big test for us, but also for them, because they have not yet faced an opponent of this level.”
On the controversy surrounding officiating with Confederation of African Football (CAF) already investigating unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during matches involving Cameroon versus Morocco, and Algeria against Nigeria, he said: “Controversies surrounding refereeing are always damaging.
“We have a good continent and we work well, but we have this negative image that matches are won this way. You journalists need to do your job. I will always be a defender of the continent.”
He continued: “We let our performances on the pitch speak for themselves by winning our matches. The most important thing is to play good football.”
Ultimate goal is to win AFCON
Morocco goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi, who was speaking on behalf of the players, said: “We've been waiting for this match for a very long time. All Moroccans dreamed of it. There’s a lot of hard work behind this achievement.
“We’ll be ready mentally, physically, and technically. Our collective goal is to win the AFCON. I always try to help the team. I want to pass on my experience to the younger players so they know what not to do.”
Mohamedi, who plays for Botola Pro club RS Berkane, concluded: “We’ve made a lot of mistakes, which has denied us the opportunity to play at this stage before. We need to be a united team; that’s our strength.”
Morocco and Nigeria will face off for the second time in the semis. Nigeria won the previous clash in 1980, triumphing 1-0 with Felix Owolabi scoring the winner in the ninth minute en route to their first AFCON title.
The two nations met again in 2000 when Nigeria eliminated Morocco in their final Group D game with a 2-0 victory, with Finidi George and Julius Aghahowa scoring for the Super Eagles.
