So close, yet so far — Nigeria’s AFCON dream ended the hardest way possible
The Super Eagles have crashed out of AFCON 2025 after losing 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco in a tense, drama-filled semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Tipped as a “final before the final,” the heavyweight clash lived up to the hype but not the goals. After 90 minutes and extra time, neither side could find a breakthrough, with both teams locked in a tactical chess match.
Nigeria showed intent early on, but attacking stars Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman struggled to make their usual impact. Victor Osimhen, wearing the captain’s armband, was closely marked throughout, with Morocco’s defence leaving him little room to breathe.
As the game wore on and fatigue crept in, both teams played it safe, preferring caution over risk. With no goals after 120 minutes, penalties became inevitable — and that’s where the hosts had the edge.
Despite another solid defensive outing, especially from Calvin Bassey, and a brilliant moment from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who saved Hamza Igmane’s penalty, Nigeria couldn’t capitalise.
Missed spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly, as Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero, saving both efforts. Youssef En-Nesyri then calmly slotted home the winning penalty to send the home crowd into wild celebrations.
Morocco now march into the AFCON final on Sunday in Rabat, where they’ll face Senegal, the 2021 champions. The Atlas Lions are chasing just their second AFCON title, exactly 50 years after their first in 1976.
For Nigeria, hopes of reaching back-to-back AFCON finals are over. The Super Eagles will now battle Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Casablanca. Egypt fell 1–0 to Senegal earlier on Wednesday, courtesy of a late Sadio Mané strike.
A painful exit — but heads still high.
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