Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night after falling 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco, following a goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The semi-final encounter was tightly fought, but Morocco enjoyed greater attacking control, recording 16 attempts on goal compared to Nigeria’s two over the course of the match.
Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali for Nigeria and Yassine Bounou for Morocco delivered outstanding performances, making crucial saves that kept the scoreline level throughout regulation time and extra time.
Key Nigerian attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman found it difficult to make an impact, as Morocco’s well-organised defence and goalkeeper neutralised their efforts, especially during extra time.
Morocco’s full-backs, captain Achraf Hakimi on the right and Noussair Mazraoui on the left, were influential throughout the match, contributing to attacking moves while effectively containing Nigeria’s forwards.
In the penalty shootout, the Atlas Lions showed composure, with Youssef En-Nesyri calmly2 slotting home the decisive kick to secure a place in the final.
Nigeria’s chances faded after misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyamaechi, despite successful penalties from Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Morocco will now meet Senegal in Sunday’s final as they chase a second AFCON crown, their first since winning the tournament in 1976.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday, following Egypt’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal earlier in the day.
