Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has issued a strong warning to the Super Eagles ahead of Wednesday night’s AFCON 2025 semifinal clash in Rabat, insisting that playing against the Atlas Lions on home soil is a daunting task for any opponent.

Nigeria head into the last-four encounter in impressive form, having won all five of their matches at the tournament, scoring 14 goals and conceding just four. 

Their dominant run has positioned the Super Eagles as one of the standout teams of the competition and a major threat to the host nation’s hopes of reaching the final.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Regragui emphasized the impact of home support, referencing Morocco’s previous victory against Cameroon.

"You make your opponent difficult. Cameroon were coming with confidence and one of the players said it is like Dortmund fans," he said. 

"But it is a big mistake to do, when you play in Morocco, you have only Morocco fans, you don't play in Dortmund or Madrid."

The Moroccan coach expressed hope that the home crowd would once again play a decisive role against Nigeria in Rabat. 

"This stadium is difficult for every opponent and you feel this only when you are on the pitch," he warned. 

"I hope tomorrow, the Moroccan fans will do it's best for the team. It is very difficult to win in Morocco. That is what I said."

Despite the strong words from the opposition camp, Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle will be banking on his players’ confidence, discipline and mental strength to withstand the hostile atmosphere and maintain their fine form as Nigeria chase a place in the AFCON final and a possible fourth continental title.

Adeyemi Adewwale