Morocco coach Regragui prefers Algeria over Nigeria in AFCON semis
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed he would rather face Algeria than Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the hosts await the outcome of Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Marrakech.
Morocco booked their place in the last four on Friday after a controlled 2-0 victory over Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
First-half and second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari sealed the win and kept the Atlas Lions on course for a second continental title on home soil.
Morocco await quarter-final outcome
The hosts are scheduled to face the winner of the Nigeria versus Algeria quarter-final, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Both teams arrive with perfect records, having won all four of their matches so far at AFCON 2025.
Nigeria head into the tie with the tournament’s most productive attack, scoring 12 goals, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the scoring charts.
Algeria, meanwhile, have relied on defensive organisation, conceding just one goal in the competition.
Despite Nigeria’s attacking form, Regragui indicated a preference for an all-North African semi-final.
Regragui explains Algeria preference
Speaking after Morocco’s win over Cameroon, Regragui framed a potential clash with Algeria as symbolic rather than tactical.
“If it’s Algeria we have to face in the semi-final, it will be a true historic derby, between two brotherly peoples,” Regragui said. “It would be beautiful for football. If it’s them, we’ll be very happy because it will be a great celebration.”
The Morocco coach avoided direct comparisons between the two potential opponents, but his comments suggested an appreciation of the historical significance of a meeting with Algeria.
Head-to-head history adds context
Algeria have enjoyed recent success against Nigeria, winning their last four meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. That tournament ended with Algeria lifting the trophy.
Overall, Saturday’s quarter-final will be the 22nd meeting between Nigeria and Algeria.
The Desert Foxes hold a narrow advantage with 10 wins to Nigeria’s nine, while two matches have ended in draws. At AFCON, they have met nine times, with Algeria winning four and Nigeria three.
Morocco will discover their semi-final opponents after Saturday’s encounter in Marrakech, with the hosts aiming to maintain momentum as pressure builds in the closing stages of the tournament.
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