AFCON 2025: Teko Modise Tips Nigeria vs Morocco Semi-Final Winner for Title Glory

Former South Africa captain Teko Modise has predicted that the winner of Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco could go on to lift the AFCON 2025 trophy.

Nigeria booked their place in the last four with a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria on Saturday night in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring early in the second half before turning provider to set up Akor Adams, sealing a dominant performance by Eric Chelle’s side.

However, the Super Eagles face a major setback ahead of the semi-final against the host nation, with influential captain Wilfred Ndidi ruled out through suspension after picking up a booking in the quarter-final victory over the Desert Warriors.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Modise described the fixture as one of the standout games of the tournament, urging fans not to miss what promises to be a thrilling contest.

“It’s a cracker. It’s a game that one, if you are watching it at home, you need to buy popcorns and really, really enjoy it,” Modise said on SuperSport.

The former midfield star believes the outcome will be decided by tactical discipline and fine margins, stressing that both teams possess the quality to go all the way.

“I am expecting a highly tactical game where either one wins, I strongly see them winning the tournament because they are very exciting from an attacking perspective,” he added.

Modise also pointed to Nigeria’s growing defensive solidity as a key factor in their impressive run so far.

“Defensively, Nigeria is growing within the tournament itself. They are starting to be more defensive, they are starting to be more organised. It’s going to be exciting to see if Nigeria can withstand the 12th man.”

The Super Eagles are chasing their first AFCON title since 2013, while the Atlas Lions are hoping to end a 50-year wait for continental glory. With a place in the final at stake, Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat is widely regarded as one of the defining moments of AFCON 2025.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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