Walid Regragui is the head coach for Morocco
Morocco coach Walid Regragui has addressed the immense pressure surrounding his position ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final, stating he is “not afraid” of being sacked if the host nation fails to deliver on its title ambitions.
Speaking at a press conference before Morocco’s crucial clash against Nigeria on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Regragui acknowledged the inherent risk in his high-stakes role.
“Every coach knows he must be prepared for the sack [if he doesn’t win],” Regragui said. However, the manager who led Morocco to a historic semi-final at the 2022 FIFA World Cup struck a defiant tone, adding firmly, “But I’m not afraid [of getting sacked].”
The pressure is palpable for the Atlas Lions, who are hosting the tournament with the nation expecting a first AFCON final appearance since 2004.
The team carries the burden of their shocking first-round exit from the 2023 edition, making deep progress on home soil a non-negotiable expectation for many.
Despite being unbeaten in five matches at the tournament so far, Morocco’s performances have been criticised as underwhelming, with their most convincing display being the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.
They now face a formidable Nigeria side, though the Super Eagles will be without their suspended captain, Wilfred Ndidi.
Regragui’s bold statement sets the tone for a monumental semi-final, framing the match as not just a battle for a place in the final but a test of his own leadership under the intense spotlight of a demanding football nation.