)
With the right series of events, Morocco's head coach Wallid Regragui could become the secret ingredient that the Super Eagles of Nigeria need to reach the 2023 AFCON final
The recent suspension of Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has caused a stir in the football world, particularly regarding its potential impact on the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, especially for teams like Nigeria.
Why Morocco's Regragui was suspended
Walid Regragui, the head coach of the Moroccan national team, received a four-match ban, with two matches suspended from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following incidents that occurred after Morocco's 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Regragui was accused of making racist comments against a DR Congo player, which he has vehemently denied. The Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) expressed its disbelief at the decision, citing that Regragui did not violate fair play values. They have also filed an appeal against the decision. As a result of the suspension, Regragui missed Morocco's final group game and will be absent for their Round of 16 tie against South Africa unless the appeal is successful.
Nigeria’s path to the 2023 AFCON final
By virtue of finishing second in Group A, Nigeria have been given a tough second round berth against fierce rivals Cameroon in the round of 16. If the Super Eagles manage to navigate past the Indomitable Lions, they will face a more favourable (on paper at least) quarterfinal tie against the winners of the match between Angola and Namibia.
A win in that game would see them reach the semifinal where they could play one of Morocco, South Africa, Cape Verde or Mauritania for a place in the AFCON 2023 final.
How Wallid Regragui’s suspension can help Nigeria
Given their possible path to the final, Nigeria’s least favoured opponent will certainly be the Atlas Lions of Morocco, who appear to be the only team clearly stronger than the Super Eagles on their side of the bracket.
With Regragui set to miss the round of 16 tie against South Africa, his absence could become a banana peel for Morocco and cause them to struggle against the Bafana Bafana.
A win for South Africa would greatly increase Nigeria’s chances of making the final with the toughest team on the side of the bracket gone, but this all still depends on if they can survive the Cameroon test.
Related content
)
22:52 - 26.01.2024
Nigeria vs Cameroon betting tips: 5 Expert predictions as Super Eagles take on Indomitable Lions
The Super Eagles lock horns with perennial rivals Cameroon for a chance to play in the 2023 AFCON quarterfinal
)
18:01 - 26.01.2024
Serie A side secure ₦2.4b signing of 21-year-old Nigerian striker David Ankeye
Genoa secure signing of promising Nigeroan talent David Ankeye from FC Sheriff for €2.5 million.
)
17:02 - 26.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Cameroonians 'go on their knees' for their most handsome player on his 29th birthday ahead of Nigeria R16 showdown
Cameroonians have sent a birthday wish to Jean-Charles Castelletto as he turned 29 ahead of their clash against Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 Round of 16.
)
16:42 - 26.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Gernot Rohr identifies two key issues in Cameroon's team ahead of round of 16 tie against Nigeria
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has shed light on the challenges facing Cameroon ahead of their highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match against Nigeria.
)
16:22 - 26.01.2024
Segun Odegbami Predicts Easy Win for Nigeria Over Cameroon in AFCON Clash
Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami exudes confidence in the Super Eagles' upcoming clash with Cameroon in the last-16 stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
)
16:12 - 26.01.2024
Osimhen Cautious of Potential Upsets in AFCON Knockout Stages ahead of Cameroon clash
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has highlighted the level playing field at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, dismissing the notion of underdogs in the tournament.
)
15:54 - 26.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Jay-Jay Okocha and other African Football Legends Who Visited Super Eagles in Camp
Nigeria's Super Eagles have been visited by some of Africa's greatest players during their stay in Ivory Coast for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
)
14:53 - 26.01.2024
I don't want to concede - Super Eagles' Peseiro sets out clear plan to beat Cameroon in AFCON clash
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro wants to see his team survive Cameroon unscathed in the AFCON 2023 round of 16.
)
13:06 - 26.01.2024
Osimhen, Ghana and the 5 biggest disappointments from the AFCON 2023 so far
Several big names entered into the AFCON 2023 group stage with a lot of expectations, but a few were unable to live up to the hype
)
12:06 - 26.01.2024
Super Eagles' shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali dominates AFCON with impressive save rate
Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shown that there is more to his presence at the back for Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 than confidence.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)