Nigeria vs Morocco predictions and betting tips – Hosts face stiffest test

Morocco are desperate to win their first Africa Cup of Nations in half a century, but they face a tricky game against Nigeria in the semi-finals.

There will be a fantastic atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday, and the fans in attendance could be treated to a thrilling game. Here is how we see this tie playing out.

Nigeria vs Morocco quick tips

• Choose Nigeria to qualify – 6/5 with BetMGM
• Go for both teams to score – 20/21 with Bet Victor
• Tip Victor Osimhen to score any time – 9/4 with SBK

All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

Nigeria vs Morocco predictions

After Lionel Messi ending his long quest for World Cup glory with Argentina, Morocco were the second-biggest story of Qatar 2022.

The Atlas Lions made World Cup history just over three years ago, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Morocco eliminated Spain and Portugal along the way, with Walid Regragui’s side playing a brand of counter-attacking football to which more fancied teams had no answer.

Given that success in Qatar, you might assume that Regragui is universally admired in Morocco. That is not the case.

Speak to fans in the football-mad country today and most will opine that their manager is holding the team back.

On the face of it, that sounds remarkably unfair. In three and a half years at the helm, Regragui has lost only four matches.

Two of those came at World Cup 2022: the semi-final against France and the third-place play-off against Croatia. Another was a defeat by South Africa after Morocco had already qualified for the last Africa Cup of Nations.

Yet while Regragui did brilliantly when his teams were underdogs at the previous World Cup, his critics charge that he is not the right man to get the best out of a gifted group of players which has a talent advantage over most teams on their continent.

Indeed, there is much more pressure on Morocco to take the initiative on the African stage and they have not always looked comfortable when cast in the role of favourites. 

Having said that, Morocco delivered their most convincing performance of the Cup of Nations to date in a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Even so, they were not quite as impressive as Nigeria, who beat an in-form Algeria side by the same scoreline at the weekend.

The Super Eagles were dominant from start to finish. They created numerous chances at one end of the field and gave away virtually nothing at the other. Algeria did not even have a shot until the 80th minute, by which time Nigeria were two goals to the good.

Given how well they have played in Morocco, it is baffling that this Nigeria side failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.

Victory at the Cup of Nations would not entirely make up for that failure, but it would be a pretty decent consolation prize.

Nigeria vs Morocco betting tips

Nigeria and Morocco will butt heads for a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria can win this

The vast majority of supporters inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday will be cheering for Morocco.

That is potentially a double-edged sword. If the hosts can establish an early lead, the crowd may well carry them to victory.

Equally, though, there is the potential for Moroccan players and fans alike to grow anxious if things are not going their way.

Nigeria are the best team Morocco have faced so far. The Super Eagles were fantastic against Algeria and it will be tough for Regragui’s men to keep their attacking unit quiet.

Nigeria can triumph in the second semi-final, either after 90 minutes, 120 minutes or a penalty shoot-out.

Choose Nigeria to qualify at 6/5 with BetMGM

No clean sheets here

Nigeria have looked irresistible at times over the last few weeks.

There were initially some concerns that Eric Chelle’s 4-3-1-2 formation might be too attacking, but the system has worked so far.

With Ademola Lookman pulling the strings in behind Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, it is difficult to see Morocco keeping a clean sheet.

At the same time, the hosts will fancy their chances of making the net bulge against a Nigeria defence that will not be protected by the suspended Wilfred Ndidi at the base of midfield.

Go for both teams to score at 20/21 with Bet Victor

Osimhen to strike

With all due respect to Galatasaray, it feels like a waste that a 27-year-old Osimhen is plying his trade in the Turkish Super Lig.

The former Napoli man is one of the best centre-forwards in world football. On the African continent, he has no equal.

Osimhen scored an excellent header against Algeria, taking his tally at this Cup of Nations to four goals. Only Brahim Diaz, who has been tremendous for Morocco, has scored more.

Osimhen will not be fazed by the red-hot atmosphere in Rabat. The Nigerian striker can find the target here.

Tip Victor Osimhen to score any time at 9/4 with SBK

Nigeria vs Morocco predicted lineups

• Nigeria expected lineup: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
• Morocco expected lineup: Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, Al Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, El Kaabi, Ezzalzouli.

Where to watch Nigeria vs Morocco

• Location: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco.
• Date and time: Wednesday 14th February, 8pm.
• How to watch: E4.

More Africa Cup of Nations predictions

We have plenty more Africa Cup of Nations predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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