Nigeria's Super Eagles are set for a monumental Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, but they have received a crucial warning from a football icon. Super Falcons legend and six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, has urged the team to be vigilant of the Moroccans' tactics both on and off the pitch.
Oshoala's Viral Warning to the Super Eagles
In a post that went viral on social media platform X, the former Liverpool and Barcelona star issued a stark reminder of the lingering tensions from a past encounter. Oshoala referenced the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final, where the Super Falcons defeated the Moroccan Lionesses 3-2. She revealed that the Moroccan Football Federation subsequently took the match officials to court over the result.
"That semi final no go easy sha o cus that WAFCON still Dey pain Morocco," Oshoala wrote. "Them go do everything and anything but the world will be watching. People wey carry referee wey officiate our final go court."
Her message underscores the high stakes and potential for intense pressure surrounding the match, emphasizing that the hosts will pull out all the stops to secure a place in the final.
Super Eagles Soar into Semifinals with Historic Win
The Nigerian team earned their semifinal berth in impressive fashion, making tournament history along the way. On Saturday, January 10, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, the Super Eagles defeated Algeria 2-0 in a dominant quarterfinal display.
This victory was monumental, as it made Nigeria the first team ever to win five consecutive matches in a single Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The three-time champions controlled the game from the start, though a first-half header from Calvin Bassey was controversially disallowed despite appearing to cross the line.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored, handing Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane his first concession of the tournament. Ten minutes later, Sevilla forward Akor Adams doubled the lead with a composed finish after being set up by Osimhen, sealing a 2-0 win and a historic record.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation Build
The upcoming semifinal has sparked passionate reactions from fans across Nigeria. Many echoed Oshoala's sentiments about the challenge ahead, while others expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' current form.
One fan, @Dare4xploits, commented: "Madness. Any game against North Africans in front of their home fans is always a war. Tell your friends in the team." Another, @joshua_pharmd, showed optimism: "I believe they'll be shocked by how well the Super Eagles will play against them. They've had a good run."
The match promises to be a tactical and physical battle, with Nigeria aiming to continue their record-breaking run and Morocco looking to leverage home advantage to reach the final.
All eyes will now be on Marrakech this Wednesday as the Super Eagles, armed with Oshoala's warning and riding a wave of historic momentum, face their toughest test yet against the determined host nation.
