The Super Eagles of Nigeria saw their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign come to a painful end on Wednesday night after losing 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in a dramatic semi-final showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The highly anticipated encounter, widely described as a “final before the final”, finished goalless after regulation time and extra time, as both teams were locked in a tense and evenly matched tactical battle.
Nigeria’s key attacking players, including Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, struggled to impose themselves on the game, as chances were few and far between.
Nigeria’s talisman Victor Osimhen was tightly marshalled throughout, with Morocco’s defence acutely aware of the danger any lapse in concentration could pose.
As fatigue set in during extra time and the stakes rose, caution prevailed, with both sides opting for a safety-first approach.
With no breakthrough forthcoming after 120 minutes, penalties were required — and it was Yassine Bounou’s night to shine, as Morocco marched on to a long-awaited AFCON final.
Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles turned in another resolute defensive display, with Calvin Bassey outstanding at the back.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also rose to the occasion, pulling off a fine one-handed save to deny Morocco’s Hamza Igmane and hand Nigeria an early advantage during the penalty shootout.
However, missed spot-kicks by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly, as Morocco held their nerve to seal victory.
The Atlas Lions will now return to Rabat on Sunday for the final, where they will face Senegal, champions of the 2021 edition.
Morocco are aiming to lift the AFCON trophy for only the second time in their history, with their sole previous triumph coming exactly 50 years ago in 1976.
For Nigeria, the defeat ended hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final, with the Super Eagles now shifting focus to the third-place play-off against Egypt scheduled for Saturday in Casablanca.
Earlier on Wednesday, Egypt had fallen 1-0 to the Teranga Lions of Senegal in the first semi-final, with Sadio Mane’s decisive strike in the 78th minute sealing their exit from the title race.
