A young Nigerian man has expressed his sheer amazement after stepping inside a stadium in Morocco during the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. In a video that has since gone viral, the man could not contain his excitement, lavishing praise on the host nation for what he described as a world-class facility.
"World Cup Standard" Stadium Leaves Nigerian in Awe
The individual, who goes by the TikTok handle @omaakatugba, shared his experience on January 16, 2026. His video captures the interior of a packed stadium during a live football match, with thousands of fans in attendance. From the outset, he made a bold comparison, stating that the venue's quality was on par with those used for the FIFA World Cup.
In the clip, he is heard saying, "Morocco una do this one oo, see stadium. This is World Cup standard, guys. Just take a look, I am completely blown away. This is the FIFA World Cup disguised as an African Nations Cup. Big credit to Morocco. This is on a completely different level."
Social Media Caption and Netizen Reactions
Accompanying the video was a caption where he further elaborated his thoughts. He wrote, "Thank you Morocco for making AFCON feel like the World Cup. A blessing to Africa, reminding us that world-class hosting is possible on this continent — when preparation meets ambition."
The post sparked a flurry of reactions from other social media users:
- Ben ABR noted: "I want them to win it as a gift. what an organization."
- Kingsley DXB said: "Morocco Vs Nigeria wait for that match."
- Dego stressed a critique: "No goal line technology..too bad."
- Gabby noted: "if only the stadium will be this packed in other games."
- kollinz stated: "That is why CAF wants to give them the trophy?…with poor officiating."
Context of Nigeria's AFCON Journey and Related Sentiments
The admiration for Morocco's infrastructure comes amid a tense tournament for Nigerian fans. The video emerged around the time the Super Eagles faced Morocco in a semi-final clash, which Nigeria ultimately lost on penalties. This context fueled mixed reactions, with some comments linking the stadium praise to the match's outcome and officiating.
In a related report, another young Nigerian man claimed that Nigeria was cheated in that semi-final, pointing to four specific moments where he believed the referee made incorrect calls against the Super Eagles. This sentiment highlights the emotional rollercoaster for Nigerian supporters during the tournament, balancing appreciation for continental progress with disappointment over their team's exit.
The viral video serves as a testament to the elevated standards brought by Morocco to the 2025 AFCON, setting a new benchmark for tournament hosting in Africa. It has ignited conversations about infrastructure development and the potential for African nations to successfully host global sporting events in the future.
