Dr. Osetoba hails Super Eagles’ flight into AFCON semis, demands more fire against Morocco

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

The Super Eagles have spread their wings again and Africa is watching.

Technical Adviser to Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has showered praise on Nigeria’s senior men’s team after their commanding march into the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking on Sunday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Dr. Osetoba saluted the Eagles for not just qualifying for the last four, but for doing it with authority, swagger and a reminder to the continent that the Giants of Africa still stand tall.

“They didn’t just win,” she said. “They sent a message to Africa and to the world.”

Nigeria’s statement victory came under the scorching Marrakech sun, where the Super Eagles overpowered Algeria 2–0, draining the Desert Foxes of belief and booking a mouth-watering semifinal clash with tournament hosts, Morocco.

As expected, Victor Osimhen was the heartbeat of the storm.

Just 85 seconds into the second half, Osimhen rose like a man possessed, powering home a trademark header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s inviting cross.

The goal ignited Nigerian fans and marked Osimhen’s fourth strike of the tournament.

Algeria was still wobbling when Nigeria struck again.

Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned the provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Adams, who kept his composure, rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and calmly rolled the ball into the net to seal a dominant Super Eagles display.

Dr. Osetoba, a respected sports administrator and a strong pillar of support for athletes in Ekiti State, watched the encounter from home and loved every moment.

She reserved special praise for Man of the Match Victor Osimhen, while urging the team to stay focused and united ahead of an even fiercer test.

“The real battle is next,” she warned, calling on the Eagles to raise their intensity against Morocco, who will have the backing of their home fans and the pressure that comes with it.

History adds spice to the showdown.

This will be the 12th meeting between Nigeria and Morocco, a rivalry that began 56 years ago in the 1969 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Casablanca, where Nigeria fell 2–1. From 11 previous encounters, Morocco hold a narrow edge with six wins, Nigeria had four victories, and one draw came at the 1983 AFCON.

More worrying for the Eagles is recent history: defeats of 0–1 at the 2004 AFCON and a humbling 0–4 loss in Casablanca at the African Nations Championship.

But this Super Eagles side looks different. Sharper. Hungrier. Unafraid.

And as Dr. Osetoba believes, if they bring the same fire, unity and belief, Nigeria may yet write a new chapter on Moroccan soil, against the odds, under the brightest lights.

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