The excitement for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-finals has taken a bizarre and viral turn, moving from human pundits to animal oracles. As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to face Morocco on January 15, 2025, a series of videos featuring pets predicting the match outcome have flooded social media, captivating fans across the continent.
Feathered Fortune Teller: Parrot Backs Morocco
The trend gained momentum following a now-famous parrot that accurately predicted Nigeria's quarter-final victory over Algeria on January 10. Building on that fame, a new prediction emerged on January 11, 2025. A TikTok user known as @kioui.bird posted a video where his parrot was presented with the flags of both nations.
In the clip, the bird was released and, after a few seconds, walked decisively towards the flag of Morocco. This action was interpreted by many viewers as a clear sign that the North African team would triumph in the upcoming high-stakes encounter.
Feline and Canine Insights Join the Fray
The parrot was not alone in its prognostications. On the same day, a cat named Nimbus, shared by user @GeneralSnow_, entered the prediction arena. The owner claimed the feline had a 100 percent accurate prediction record, including correctly forecasting Nigeria's win against Algeria.
In a video originally from @nimbus_pronos on TikTok, the cat was shown options for different matches. For the Nigeria vs Morocco fixture, Nimbus moved to where Morocco's name was displayed and ate the food placed there, signaling another prediction in favor of Morocco.
Completing the animal trio, a dog also made its choice known in a video posted by @tacticaltax_ and shared by @GeneralSnow_ around 9 p.m. on January 11. The dog was presented with two footballs, one adorned with Nigeria's flag and the other with Morocco's. The canine approached the ball with the Moroccan flag twice and the Nigerian ball only once, adding to the growing consensus among the animal kingdom.
Contrasting Reactions and Human Doubts
While the animal videos trend for their novelty, they stand in stark contrast to the confidence of the Nigerian team and its supporters. The Super Eagles have already issued a stern warning to their Moroccan opponents, showcasing their determination to reach the final.
Furthermore, not all non-human predictions are being accepted. In a related report, a Nigerian pastor famously rejected an AI prediction that forecast a 2-1 win for Morocco. The AI based its analysis on Morocco's impressive 19-game unbeaten run, but the pastor refused to accept the outcome, highlighting the unwavering faith of Nigerian fans.
As the match date of January 15, 2025, draws near, the question on every fan's mind is whether the Super Eagles will soar above the predictions of parrots, cats, and dogs to secure a spot in the AFCON final. The viral animal forecasts have added an unexpected layer of folklore and fun to the already intense sporting rivalry.
