Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has admitted he would prefer to face Algeria rather than Nigeria in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions secured their spot in the final four on Friday with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, courtesy of goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.
They now await the winner of today’s heavyweight quarter-final between the Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors.
While Nigeria boasts the tournament’s most lethal attack (12 goals), Regragui cited the cultural and emotional significance of a North African derby.
“If it’s Algeria, it will be a true historic derby between two brotherly peoples,” Regragui stated. “It would be beautiful for football… a great celebration.”
Nigerian fans have quickly dismissed Regragui’s comments, with many taking to social media to warn the Morocco boss that the Super Eagles intend to “shock” the hosts just as they did in the women’s AFCON.
The winner of today’s Marrakech showdown will face Morocco on Wednesday for a place in the final.
