Nigeria vs Morocco LIVE: Second half is underway! (0-0) AFCON 2025 semifinals

The opening minutes of the second half feature two quick fouls, one from each side, setting the tone for a more intense and physical period.

The action resumes for the second half as Nigeria and Morocco are back on the pitch, with both sides looking to raise the tempo and find the breakthrough in this AFCON 2025 semifinal.

The first half comes to an end with Nigeria and Morocco locked at 0-0 after a tense, tightly contested opening 45 minutes, marked by strong midfield pressure and limited clear-cut chances at both ends.

Nigeria try to make the most of their spells of possession in the closing minutes of the first half, looking to break the deadlock. However, they struggle to find real depth or create clear chances, in a match that remains extremely tight and evenly contested.

Morocco send another warning after a brilliant attacking move that ends with Ismael Saibari producing an excellent piece of individual skill. The midfielder dances past the defense with quick footwork and unleashes a powerful shot, but Stanley Nwabali reacts sharply to make the save and keep Nigeria level.

Play is briefly stopped as Abde Ezzalzouli receives medical attention, but the winger is able to continue. The match is resumed with Ezzalzouli back on the field and both sides returning to full strength.

Nigeria receive the first booking of the match as Calvin Bassey is shown a yellow card for a foul on Brahim Díaz right on the edge of the box. It is bad news for Nigeria, as Bassey will miss the next match due to card accumulation. The ensuing set piece is taken by Achraf Hakimi and flashes dangerously across goal, serving as a warning from Morocco.

Morocco look uncomfortable as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman apply intense pressure on the back line for the first time in the match. Nigeria win the ball high up the pitch, but they are unable to fully capitalize, failing to develop the attack with real clarity.

Morocco win a corner taken by Achraf Hakimi, with the ball dropping loose in the middle of the box, but El Kaabi cannot get a clean touch. The play is recycled back to Hakimi, who delivers another cross, and Brahim Díaz meets it with a powerful header that sails well wide of the goal.

Possession is relatively balanced, with Nigeria holding 44 percent and Morocco controlling 56 percent, but the match has been marked by constant imprecision from both sides. Much of that has been forced by relentless pressure in midfield, where neither team have been allowed time or space to settle on the ball.

A foul on Brahim Díaz gives Morocco a dangerous free kick on the right flank. Achraf Hakimi takes it short as part of a set play, leading to a cross into the box that Abde Ezzalzouli manages to head, but the effort drifts wide of the target.

Morocco earn the first corner of the match, taken by Achraf Hakimi, but Nigeria deal with the delivery without major trouble and the set piece does not lead to a clear chance.

After a spell of heavy imprecision from both sides, Nigeria manage to push past Morocco’s midfield and work the ball into Ademola Lookman. The forward brings it under control and fires a quick shot, but Yassine Bounou reacts well to make the save and keep the score level.

Morocco nearly open the scoring after a well-worked collective move down the right flank. The ball is worked inside to Brahim Díaz, who cuts in and fires a low, driven shot across goal that whistles just wide of the post. Brahim has scored in all five matches at AFCON 2025, registering five goals in five games.

Nigeria commit an error playing out from the back, with Semi Ajayi losing possession for the second time early on. Ismael Saibari pounces on the mistake and gets a shot away, but the effort is quickly intercepted by the defense. Nigeria are clearly feeling the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, who is unavailable after picking up his second yellow card in the 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarterfinals, and it remains to be seen how much his absence will impact the midfield balance.

Nigeria and Morocco are officially underway in this AFCON 2025 semifinal, as the opening whistle gets the action started with both sides battling for a place in the final.

Nigeria and Morocco are now on the field for the official pre-match protocol, lining up for the traditional greetings ahead of kickoff.

Nigeria and Morocco have faced each other 11 times in international competition. Nigeria have recorded four wins, while Morocco have claimed five victories, with one draw between them.

Today’s match will be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The venue was completely rebuilt and reopened in September 2025, officially becoming Morocco’s national arena and one of the most modern stadiums on the continent, with a capacity of around 68,500 to 68,700 spectators.

The stadium sits approximately seven kilometers south of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, in an area known for its organization and modern infrastructure. Its strategic location makes it a central stage for major international events.

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium already hosted the opening match of AFCON 2025 and is also set to stage the tournament’s final, further cementing its status as the centerpiece of the competition.

Nigeria confirmed lineup: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.

Here's Morocco's confirmed starting XI: Yassine Bounou; Noussair Mazraoui, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina; Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari; Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Díaz, Abde Ezzalzouli.

• Referee: Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana)
• Assistant referees: Zakhele Thusi (South Africa), Granville Siwela (South Africa), Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho).
• Third assistant referee: Arsénio Chadreque Maringule (Mozambique)
• Fourth official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Abongile Tom (South Africa)
• Assistant VARs: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia), Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya).
• Referee assessor: Lidya Tafesse Abebe (Ethiopia)

Nigeria vs Morocco will get underway at 3:00 PM ET (PT:12:00 PM)

Watch this AFCON 2025 semifinal match between Nigeria and Morocco live in the USA on Fubo, Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

Welcome to our live blog of the AFCON 2025 semifinals. Nigeria face Morocco today with a place in the final at stake, as two of the tournament’s most in-form sides go head-to-head. Nigeria arrive with a perfect record, while Morocco look to take advantage of home support.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Nigeria and Morocco clash for a spot in the AFCON 2025 final.