The Atlas Lions of Morocco on Wednesday night defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles on penalties to qualify for the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat ended goalless after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Before the match, Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen had dismissed concerns about the intimidating Moroccan home crowd, insisting that the Super Eagles were used to playing in tense environments.
However, the atmosphere inside the packed stadium appeared to affect the Nigerian players, who struggled to impose themselves on the game.
Nigeria’s attacking trio of Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, who had scored most of the team’s 14 goals in the tournament, were largely contained. Lookman recorded Nigeria’s first shot on target, but the Super Eagles managed only one other effort in more than two hours of football.
Morocco dominated possession and created more chances, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into several saves. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono, on the other hand, had little to do for most of the match.
Nigeria’s defence, led by Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, worked tirelessly to stop Morocco’s attacking threats, including Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El-Kaabi and Abde Ezzalzouli.
In the penalty shootout, Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s kick, giving Nigeria early hope. However, Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both missed their penalties, as Bono made crucial saves. Youssef En-Nesyri then converted the winning kick to send Morocco into the final.
Morocco will now face Senegal in the AFCON final, while Nigeria will play Egypt in the third-place match.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s campaign remains one of strong performances, with the team reaching the semi-finals after impressive displays throughout the tournament.
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