A Welcome That Speaks for Itself

Arriving in Morocco to cover AFCON, football was the assignment—but people quickly became the story. From the moment we landed, the warmth shown to Nigerian journalists stood out. In Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat, Moroccans went beyond courtesy. They offered directions without being asked, shared lifts freely, and treated strangers like familiar guests. It was hospitality delivered with ease and confidence.

Finding Our Way Through Language

Morocco is comfortably multilingual. Arabic and French dominate conversations, signposts, and daily life, while English remains limited. Still, the few English speakers we encountered proved invaluable. Their willingness to help eased communication barriers and made professional engagements far smoother than expected.

Cities Ruled by Cats

One of Morocco’s most charming surprises is its cats. They are everywhere—lounging on sidewalks, strolling through markets, and owning public spaces with confidence. These are not timid animals; they are bold, well-fed, and utterly fearless. Unlike cats back home, Moroccan cats move with authority, approaching humans only when it suits them.

Movement Without Stress

Morocco’s transportation system works well. My journey by train from Casablanca to Rabat was seamless and memorable, especially because it marked my first-ever train ride. The rail network efficiently connects cities, making travel smooth and predictable.

A moment of panic turned into a lesson in kindness when I boarded a train without buying a ticket. My failure to tap one drew attention and briefly delayed proceedings. But once officials noticed my accreditation and understood

I was a first-time visitor, and they responded with patience and allowed me to complete the trip free of charge. It was a small incident with a big impression.

Policing Without Intimidation

Security in Morocco comes without aggression. Police officers carry no guns and no batons just whistles and authority. They are calm, respectful, and approachable, always ready to assist when needed. It is policing built on presence rather than fear.

Nigeria Is Spoken of Fondly

Nigeria enjoys remarkable goodwill here. Mentioning our nationality often sparks smiles, enthusiastic greetings, firm handshakes, and even hugs. Many Moroccans speak positively about Nigeria and show genuine eagerness to help Nigerians in whatever capacity they can.

Food: The Cultural Adjustment

Food has been one of the few challenges. Familiar Nigerian staples, white rice and stew, Eba, and okro soup, are largely absent.

Moroccan eating habits lean toward snacks, pastries, and fast foods, a shift that requires some adjustment for Nigerian visitors.

A Stopover for Dream Seekers

Morocco has quietly become a destination for Africans chasing better opportunities. Many migrants here come from West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Sudan.

I encountered a group that described Morocco as a place where survival is possible with determination. One young Sierra Leonean, Ba Sanusi, explained that he came to Rabat to pursue football ambitions while taking on menial jobs after failing to secure a professional contract.

Their journey into Morocco was long and risky travelling by road through Niger to Algeria, then crossing into Morocco at night due to border closures and strained relations between Algeria and Morocco.

Understanding the Money

Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), with ₦160 roughly equal to 1 MAD.

The phrase “Do you have MAD?” is purely financial here, not an insult.

That said, Morocco is not cheap. The cost of living is noticeably high, especially for visitors and short-term residents.

Football Bonds That Endure

Football remains a powerful bridge between Nigeria and Morocco. Legends like Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Rashidi Yekini are still warmly remembered. Many Moroccans can vividly recount the 2000 AFCON, when the Super Eagles defeated Morocco 2–0, with Finidi among the goal scorers.

Today, Victor Osimhen dominates conversations, admired for his talent and rise to stardom.

Final Whistle

Morocco reveals itself as organized, welcoming, and deeply rooted in culture. Beyond the AFCON buzz, it offers kindness, structure, and genuine respect for Nigerians. While language and food present minor hurdles, the overall experience is rich, positive, and unforgettable a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories lie beyond the pitch.