AFCON 2026: "Nigeria is Superior" – Former Coach Julien Mette Warns Morocco Ahead of Semi-Final Clash
By Dash Press Media | January 12, 2026
As the countdown to Wednesday’s blockbuster semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium begins, the Super Eagles have been labeled the team to beat. Former Djibouti head coach Julien Mette has sent shockwaves through the tournament by declaring Nigeria "superior" to the host nation, Morocco, despite the Atlas Lions' home-ground advantage.
The Unstoppable Super Eagles
Nigeria arrives in Rabat not just as favorites, but as a record-breaking attacking juggernaut. With a perfect win streak and a tournament-high 14 goals in five matches, the Super Eagles are playing a brand of football that has left opponents shell-shocked.
Their recent 2-0 demolition of Algeria in the quarter-finals served as a definitive statement of intent. Nigeria completely stifled one of the continent’s top-five sides, preventing Algeria from registering a single shot on target while dominating every phase of play.
"Capable of Everything": Mette’s Verdict
Appearing as a pundit on After Foot RMC, Julien Mette—who originally tipped Morocco to lift the trophy—has officially shifted his stance.
“Offensively, Nigeria is superior to Morocco," Mette stated. "While Morocco has the brilliance of Brahim Diaz, if he is neutralized, they struggle. Nigeria, however, is capable of everything—they can kill you on the break, through structured play, or via set pieces.”
Mette further emphasized that Nigeria’s physical profile is unmatched in the competition:
“There is no team equivalent to Nigeria right now in terms of athletic data, strength, and combativeness in duels. Morocco will have to find a way to beat them in other areas because, physically, Nigeria is on another level.”
A Clash of Titans and History
This semi-final isn't just about 2026; it’s a battle of legacies. Nigeria is hunting for their fourth AFCON title, while Morocco is desperate to end a trophy drought dating back to 1976.
Historical Fast Facts:
Head-to-Head: This is the first AFCON meeting between these giants in 22 years.
The 1980 Connection: The last time these two met in a semi-final (1980), Nigeria won 1-0 and went on to win the tournament.
No Draws: All five previous AFCON encounters between Nigeria and Morocco have produced a decisive winner.
With Morocco backed by a roaring home crowd and Nigeria armed with the most clinical attack in African football, Wednesday’s showdown in Rabat promises to be the defining moment of the tournament.
Source & Multimedia:
Official Highlights & Analysis:
Super Eagles YouTube Channel AFCON 2026 Coverage:
CAF TV Official YouTube Copyright ©️ Dash Press Media
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment