The Chairman of the Unified Nigerian Supporters Club, Vincent Okumagba, has issued a passionate rallying cry, declaring that the Super Eagles will require immense vocal support from the stands to overcome Morocco in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semifinal clash today.
The "Final Before The Final"
Speaking to The Guardian via telephone upon his arrival in Rabat, Okumagba emphasized the monumental nature of the fixture. He labeled the match the "final before the final" and called on every Nigerian present in Morocco, whether part of organized supporters clubs or the diaspora, to become a formidable 12th player for the team inside the Rabat stadium.
Okumagba acknowledged the daunting challenge of facing the tournament hosts but expressed confidence in the Nigerian spirit. "The Moroccans will have the crowd as their 12th player, but I believe that Nigeria have a way of caging their hosts with our drums and trumpets," he stated.
Eagles' Historic Run and the Host Nation Jinx
The Super Eagles enter this semifinal on the back of a spectacular campaign. They are the only team at AFCON 2025 to win all five matches in open play, boasting a tournament-best goal difference of +10 and a record 14 goals for a Nigerian side at the AFCON.
Their path included a 2–1 win over Tanzania, a 3–2 victory against Tunisia, a 3–1 triumph over Uganda, a 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16, and a 2–0 quarterfinal win over Algeria. They are now two wins away from becoming the first team ever to win all seven AFCON matches en route to the title.
However, history presents a significant hurdle. Nigeria has never defeated a host nation in an AFCON knockout match. They lost finals to Algeria in 1990 and Cote d'Ivoire in 2023, fell to Ghana in the 2008 quarterfinal, and were eliminated by Tunisia on penalties in the 2004 semifinal. The last competitive meeting with Morocco was a 1–0 loss in the 2004 AFCON.
Despite this, Okumagba assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles, under Malian coach Eric Chelle, are poised to break the hosts' advantage jinx in Rabat.
A Semifinal of African Coaches
This semifinal stage marks a historic moment for African football management. For the first time, all four semifinalists are led by African head coaches. Alongside Eric Chelle (Nigeria) and Walid Regragui (Morocco), Senegal is managed by Pape Thiaw, and Egypt is led by former captain Hossam Hassan.
With a place in the final at stake, Okumagba believes the team's remarkable run and pursuit of perfection have set new standards, and the unwavering support of the Nigerian faithful could be the decisive factor in achieving continental glory.
