Morocco Coach Makes Bold Defensive Plan to Stop Osimhen, Lookman in Semifinal Clash
- Morocco coach Walid Regragui has fashioned out plans to stop the duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman
- The Atlas Lions face a stern test against Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2025 AFCON in Rabat later today
- The duo of Osimhen and Ademola have scored a total of seven at the 35th edition of the continental tournament
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed plans to stop Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash later today, January 14.
The Atlas Lions have been one of the most defensively solid teams at the 35th edition of the continental tournament.
The one-time AFCON champions have conceded just one goal so far, against Mali in the group stage, while scoring seven goals in the competition. Nigeria have scored 14 goals and conceded four.
Source: Getty Images
In the quarter-finals, Morocco defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria also secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria.
Regragui plans to stop Osimhen and Lookman
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has selected Adam Masina to neutralise Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final.
According to BSN, the 50-year-old tactician has tasked the Torino defender with ensuring Osimhen and Lookman do not add to their goal tallies, as Morocco aims to block Nigeria’s path to the final.
The former Wydad AC coach has been preparing Masina for the role since the semi-final pairing was confirmed following Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria.
Regragui noted that Masina has previously faced Osimhen during his time at Napoli, when the striker finished as Serie A top scorer, and is also familiar with Lookman, who currently plays for Atalanta.
Masina sat on the bench against Comoros and Mali in the group stages, before finding his way to the starting XI against Zambia.
The 32-year-old impressed coach Regragui, as he was rewarded with a starting role against Tanzania (Round of 16) and Cameroon (quarterfinal), per Sofa Score.
Source: Getty Images
Victor Osimhen has scored four goals and provided two assists at the 2025 AFCON, while Ademola Lookman has netted three goals and recorded four assists.
Meanwhile, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has singled out Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi ahead of their clash. Regragui said:
"Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi's absence will help us, but when you have Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi when you see their bench."
Walid Regragui confirmed that Azzedine Ounahi will miss the crucial match against Nigeria due to an injury, per Morocco World News.
Regragui claimed that the midfielder continues his recovery from a calf injury, but centre-back Romain Saiss is back in contention to start.
Mourinho chooses between Nigeria & Morocco
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho has tipped Morocco to defeat Nigeria in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Portuguese tactician said the one-time AFCON champions are an organised and disciplined side, describing the Atlas Lions as the best team in Africa.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
