Football fans across the UK are set for a thrilling evening of international action as tournament hosts Morocco face off against Nigeria in a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash.
Match Details and How to Watch in the UK
The crucial Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco is scheduled for Wednesday 14 January 2026. The action gets underway at 8pm GMT at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the good news is that the entire match will be broadcast free-to-air. Coverage will be shown on E4, with the broadcast beginning at 7:30pm, thirty minutes before kick-off.
If you prefer to stream the game, you can do so live online via the Channel 4 streaming service, ensuring you won't miss a moment of this pivotal encounter.
Team News and Key Absences
Both sides approach this semi-final with significant team news affecting their preparations. Nigeria's free-scoring attack, led by the potent strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, will be without a key defensive figure.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is suspended after accumulating bookings, dealing a major blow to the Super Eagles' midfield shield. There are also fitness doubts over defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was substituted late in their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria.
Morocco, the tournament favourites, have welcomed back their skipper and star player Achraf Hakimi, which is a huge boost. However, they are not without their own concerns. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who shone at the 2022 World Cup, remains out with a calf injury alongside defender Romain Saiss.
Road to the Semi-Final and What's at Stake
Morocco, hosting the tournament, have lived up to their favourites tag and are in their first Afcon semi-final since 2004. They breezed past five-time champions Cameroon in the last eight, with Brahim Diaz continuing his incredible form. The attacker is the tournament's top scorer with five goals in five games.
Nigeria, known as the Super Eagles, secured their place by defeating Algeria, thereby denying a North African derby in this round. The winner of this tense semi-final will earn a place in Sunday's final in Rabat, where they will face either Egypt or Senegal.
Predicted line-ups for the semi-final are as follows:
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Ogbu, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen.
Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi.
With a place in the final of Africa's premier football competition on the line, expect a fiercely contested match between two of the continent's strongest footballing nations.
