Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a painful exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after losing 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco in a tense semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The highly anticipated encounter, billed as a “final before the final,” ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, as both sides cancelled each other out in a fiercely contested tactical battle.
Both teams started brightly, trading early chances in an open first half. However, Nigeria’s attacking threats, including Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, struggled to influence the game, while clear-cut chances were few. Victor Osimhen was closely marked throughout, with Morocco’s defence limiting his impact.
As the match wore on and fatigue set in during extra time, caution took over, with neither side willing to take risks. After 120 minutes without a breakthrough, the match was decided by penalties.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero of the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Youssef En-Nesyri then calmly converted the decisive penalty to send the home crowd into celebration.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria put in a solid defensive performance, with Calvin Bassey outstanding at the back. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also impressed, making a crucial one-handed save to deny Hamza Igmane during the shootout and briefly give Nigeria hope.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat as they bid to win the AFCON title for only the second time in their history, their lone triumph coming in 1976. Senegal booked their place in the final with a 1-0 victory over Egypt, courtesy of Sadio Mane’s 78th-minute strike.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final were dashed, and the Super Eagles will now battle Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Casablanca.