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Super Eagles Hold Closed-Door Training Ahead of Morocco Semi-Final

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2026

The Super Eagles train behind closed doors in Rabat ahead of their Africa Cup semi-final against Morocco, finalising tactics for the crucial clash

The Super Eagles conducted a closed-door training session in Rabat on Monday as they finalise preparations for Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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Nigeria’s squad and officials arrived in the Moroccan capital from Fez on Monday afternoon and are based at the Rihab Hotel. The training was held at the Complexe Mohammed VI.

Team media officer Promise Efoghe said the session was closed to allow head coach Eric Chelle to implement tactical plans away from public scrutiny.

The relocation to Rabat follows Nigeria’s 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in Marrakesh, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing passage to the semi-finals.

After the Algeria match, the Super Eagles returned to their designated tournament base in Fez for recovery, in line with the Confederation of African Football’s policy of assigning each team a fixed camp.

Efoghe said the media would be allowed access to the first 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training session, after which the team would resume private drills.

There are no major injury concerns, with Ryan Alebiosu continuing to regain full fitness.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi has been walking pain-free following a hamstring strain, although medical staff are expected to reassess him before the semi-final.

The midfielder, however, is suspended after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the tournament.

The Super Eagles are targeting their second final since winning the title in 2013 and finishing runner-up in the last edition in Ivory Coast.

Should Nigeria lose, they will travel to Casablanca for the third-place play-off on Saturday.