The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant boost ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final showdown with Morocco, as Atlas Lions midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been officially ruled out of the match.
Morocco Confirms Key Absence for Crucial Tie
Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, confirmed the disappointing news for his side, stating that the influential Girona star has failed to recover from a calf injury in time for the match. The semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9 pm at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
"Azzedine Ounahi will play tomorrow… No, no, I’m just joking with you, he is injured. Apart from Ounahi, all other players are present with the squad and ready," Regragui told reporters, as quoted by Morocco World News.
Details of Ounahi's Injury Setback
Ounahi, who featured in all three of Morocco's group stage matches and provided two assists in a 3-0 win over Zambia, suffered the setback during a training session ahead of the knockout stage. The injury is a recurrence of a previous problem.
"He has a tear in his calf and can't play at the AFCON. He is unavailable for five to six weeks," Regragui explained to France 24. The coach revealed that a scar from an old calf injury sustained while playing for his club, Girona, reopened, forcing the attacking midfielder out of contention.
Despite initial optimism from the player about a potential return for the semi-final or final, his tournament participation is now in serious doubt.
Team News for Nigeria and Morocco
In more positive news for Morocco, experienced defender Romain Saiss has returned to the squad after recovering from an injury he sustained before the tournament began.
For Nigeria, head coach Eric Chelle has a relatively clean bill of health. The team's only injured player, Cyriel Dessers, departed the camp before the knockout phase. AFCON debutant Ryan Alebiosu, who was hurt against Uganda, has resumed full training and is available for selection.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended for the match, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who both took knocks in the quarter-final victory over Algeria, have been passed fit. Coach Chelle has hinted at a potential tactical shift for the game, citing both Moroccan weaknesses and fatigue within his own squad.
What's at Stake and Where to Watch
The winner of this high-stakes semi-final will advance to the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the same venue, where they will face the victor of the other semi-final between Senegal and Egypt.
For fans in Nigeria, the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport channels available on DStv. Other broadcasting platforms across Africa include Canal+ Afrique and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
