Reporting from Morocco: Why the country leaves a lasting Impression

Femi Fabunmi

In Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), I arrived with my notebook ready for football stories but quickly discovered a country offering much more than the beautiful game. From the warm reception given to Nigerian journalists to efficient transport, calm policing, and a deep respect for Nigerian football legends, Morocco has revealed itself as a gracious host both on and off the pitch.

Warm and Exceptional Hospitality

Moroccans are genuinely hospitable people. The treatment myself and other Nigerian journalists have received since arriving in Morocco has been nothing short of excellent. From Casablanca to Marrakech and Rabat, Moroccans have consistently shown that they are gracious hosts who can hold their own anytime, any day.

They readily offered assistance, directions, and even free lifts when necessary, making our stay both comfortable and memorable.

Language: A Mild Barrier

Morocco is a multilingual country, with Arabic and French as the two most widely spoken languages. Only a small percentage of the population speaks English. However, those who do speak English made our work significantly easier, especially in professional and media-related engagements.

Morocco: A Land of Cats

One striking sight across Moroccan cities is the presence of cats. It is almost impossible to walk through any street without seeing big, well-fed cats.

These cats are quite different from their counterparts in Nigeria—they are bold, fearless, and friendly. They approach people freely and play at their own convenience, appearing completely at home in public spaces.

Highly Commendable Transportation Network

Morocco boasts a very efficient transportation system. I boarded a train from Casablanca to Rabat, and it was a remarkable experience—especially as it was my first time ever using a train. The experience was worth it.

The country operates both intercity and intracity train services.

On one occasion, I mistakenly entered the train without purchasing a ticket. When I failed to tap a ticket at the machine, it drew attention and caused a brief delay.

However, upon realizing that I was a novice foreigner clearly identified by my accreditation tag the officials showed understanding and allowed me to travel free of charge to my destination. It was a rare display of patience and kindness.

Exceptionally Well-Behaved Police

One of the most impressive aspects of Moroccan society is the conduct of the police. The police do not carry guns or even batons; instead, they use whistles.

They are polite, calm, and always willing to help whenever their assistance is requested.

Nigerians Are Highly Loved

Nigerians are clearly loved and respected in Morocco. The positive comments about Nigeria from Moroccans are overwhelming.

We often received hugs and warm handshakes immediately after mentioning our nationality. Moroccans also show eagerness to assist Nigerians with any task they are involved in.

Food: A Major Challenge

Food has been one of the major challenges for me. Since arriving, I have not come across familiar Nigerian meals such as white rice and stew, eba, or okro soup.

Moroccans appear to consume a lot of snacks and fast foods, which may not easily suit Nigerian tastes.

Greener Pastures Seekers

Like many other African countries, Morocco hosts a number of migrants seeking better opportunities. Most of them are from West African countries, including Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Sudan.

I encountered a group of migrants who explained that they came to Morocco in search of greener pastures. According to them, living and earning a living in Morocco is relatively manageable.

One of them, Ba Sanusi, a Sierra Leonean youth, told PM News that he moved to Rabat to pursue a football career while doing menial jobs, having failed to secure a good contract with a professional club.

He revealed that many of them entered Morocco by road passing through Niger to Algeria, then crossing into Morocco at night due to the closed borders and diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Morocco.

Morocco’s Currency and Cost of Living

Morocco’s currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Currently, ₦160 equals 1 MAD.

Interestingly, the phrase “Have you MAD?” is not an insult in Morocco—it simply means asking if someone has money.

The cost of living is generally high, particularly for foreigners visiting the country.

Nigerian Football Legends Still Revered

Nigerian football legends such as Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Rashidi Yekini remain very popular in Morocco.

Many Moroccans still vividly remember the 2000 AFCON, where the Super Eagles defeated Morocco 2–0, with Finidi George scoring one of the goals.

Current Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is also widely admired and frequently mentioned in football discussions.

Overall, Morocco stands out as a welcoming, organized, and culturally rich country. Its people, infrastructure, and respect for Nigerians make it a memorable destination despite a few challenges, particularly with food and language.