Nigeria’s Super Eagles were knocked out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday after losing 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The semi-final encounter stretched into extra time after 90 minutes of deadlock, with Morocco largely dictating the tempo and posing the greater attacking threat. The Atlas Lions fired 16 attempts on goal compared to Nigeria’s two, underlining their territorial dominance.
Despite the pressure, both teams were kept in contention by outstanding goalkeeping. Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali produced a series of crucial saves, while Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou was equally assured between the posts.
Nigeria’s attacking stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, found it difficult to impose themselves, as Morocco’s disciplined backline and alert goalkeeper neutralised their threat throughout regulation time and extra time.
Morocco also drew strength from their full-backs, with captain Achraf Hakimi excelling on the right and Noussair Mazraoui influential on the left. The duo provided width in attack while effectively restricting Nigeria’s forward play.
The stalemate was eventually settled from the penalty spot, where Morocco showed greater composure. Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive kick to secure a place in the final for the host nation.
Nigeria’s challenge unravelled when Samuel Chukwueze fired wide and Bruno Onyamaechi saw his effort saved. Although Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru successfully converted their penalties, it was not enough to prevent a 4–2 shootout defeat.
Morocco will now take on Senegal in Sunday’s final, as they chase a second Africa Cup of Nations crown, their only previous triumph coming in 1976.
The Super Eagles will instead turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt, who were edged 1–0 by Senegal in the other semi-final.