AFCON 2025: Morocco hold historical edge over Nigeria

Morocco and Nigeria are set to rekindle one of Africa’s most compelling football rivalries, with history slightly favouring the North Africans across competitive encounters between the two giants.

In 11 meetings across all competitions, Morocco have emerged victorious six times, while Nigeria have claimed three wins, with two matches ending in draws.

The Atlas Lions also boast a superior goal record, scoring 14 goals compared to Nigeria’s eight.

The rivalry is particularly intense at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where both teams have faced each other five times.

Morocco hold a narrow advantage with three wins, while the Super Eagles have recorded two victories.

There have been no draws in their AFCON meetings, underlining the competitive nature of their clashes.

In terms of goals, Morocco have scored six, with Nigeria close behind on five.

Historical AFCON encounters between the two sides have produced memorable moments.

Morocco defeated Nigeria twice in the 1976 edition—first with a 3–1 win in the group stage and later a 2–1 victory in the final round.

Nigeria responded years later with a crucial 1–0 semi-final win in 1980 on their way to lifting the title.

The Super Eagles also recorded a 2–0 group-stage victory over Morocco at AFCON 2000, before the Atlas Lions claimed a 1–0 win in their last AFCON meeting in 2004.

Overall, Morocco hold the historical edge in head-to-head results, but the slim margins in AFCON encounters highlight just how closely matched the two sides have been over the years.

Notably, their 2004 group-stage clash remains the most recent AFCON meeting between the teams prior to 2026, adding extra intrigue as both nations prepare to write a new chapter in their storied rivalry.