AFCON: Nigeria defender Osayi-Samuel anticipates stiff test against Morocco in semifinals

Nigeria defender Bright Osayi-Samuel says he expects a difficult game against Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 

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​Osayi-Samuel, who delivered a standout performance in the 2-0 victory over the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in Saturday’s quarterfinal at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, told the media that the Super Eagles are fully focused on defeating Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday.

​The Birmingham City defender also expressed the team’s determination to win the AFCON title but maintained that the team will take it one match at a time.

“Its a big opportunity for me. These are games I dream of and for me I want to win the AFCON and I have to take these opportunities, I did that and the team did that. We take each game as they come and Morocco will be a different team because they have the fans with them. It will be difficult, but we believe in ourselves.”

He added that they will keep believing in themselves and what the coach instructs them to do.

“I think the way we are playing, Algeria didn’t have a shot on target today, so we keep believing in ourselves and keep doing what the manager wants us to do. We will beat Morocco too.”

 

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Nigeria will face the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the semifinal in Rabat this Wednesday.

The Super Eagles have returned to familiar territory in Fès, where they played all three group games and their Round of 16 fixture against Mozambique. The three-time champions will hold a recovery session at the Saardienne football complex in Fès on Sunday.