Super Eagles head coach Eric Chele has warned his players to be careful ahead of Wednesday's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash with hosts Morocco, describing the Atlas Lions as Nigeria's toughest test of the tournament so far.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Malian tactician, who has guided Nigeria to an impressive performance at AFCON 2025, insisted that the Super Eagles will treat the encounter with utmost seriousness.
Also read: NFF dismisses concerns over substitute bias ahead of Nigeria-Morocco clash
“Each match that passes is a bigger test than the one before,” Chele said. “We will play tomorrow's game as if it is the last game.”
Expressing confidence in his team's readiness, Chele said he is ready to adapt his tactics, including adopting a more defensive approach if necessary, to secure a place in the final.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui also addressed the media, acknowledging the challenge ahead but highlighting the importance of reaching the advanced stage of the competition.
Also read: AFCON 2025: Odegbami confident Super Eagles will beat Morocco in semi-final clash
“Tomorrow will not be easy at all,” Regragui said. “But reaching the semi-finals shows that Morocco has maintained a high level, especially against a strong team like Nigeria.”
Nigeria reached the semi-finals as the tournament's top scorer with 14 goals, with Victor Osimhen contributing four and Ademola Lookman three, helping the Super Eagles reach the last four.
The encounter will be the first meeting between Nigeria and Morocco in 22 years, the sixth time they have faced each other in the AFCON, and only their second semi-final meeting in the history of the competition.
Wednesday's match will kick off at 9:00 pm local time at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco are hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2004, which will increase the pressure on the hosts.
Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria in Marrakesh, while Morocco advanced after beating Cameroon by the same score.
