![Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui[Credit: Morocco World News]](https://angelnetworknews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-13-at-13.47.26-1200x765-1.jpeg "Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui[Credit: Morocco World News]-Image-2026-01-13-at-13.47.26-1200x765")
Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui brushed aside accusations of referee favoritism toward his squad ahead of Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria, insisting the Atlas Lions rely on their own merits rather than external aid in the high-stakes clash for a spot in the final.
Regragui addressed the controversy in a pre-match press conference, responding to suggestions that officials have tilted decisions in Morocco’s favor during the 2025 tournament hosted on home soil.
“I hear a lot of talk about referees favoring Morocco, but we don’t need that. We play fair,” Regragui said. “Our success comes from hard work, not from any bias. Nigeria is a strong team, and we respect them. The best team will win on the pitch.”
The comments follow Algeria’s formal complaint to CAF over refereeing in their quarter-final loss to Nigeria, which prompted an investigation into post-match incidents, though no similar claims have directly targeted Morocco’s path.
Morocco, unbeaten with four wins and a draw, have kept four clean sheets and lead in set-piece goals, while Nigeria boasts 14 strikes in five games, powered by forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
The semi-final at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium pits the hosts, seeking their second final since 2004, against three-time champions Nigeria, who aim for a ninth final appearance in the continental showcase.
