Nigeria Crash Out on Penalties as Morocco March Into AFCON Final
January 14, 2026
269d agoIn a gripping semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, host nation Morocco edged Nigeria on penalties to secure their place in the final. Played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of tightly contested football before Morocco won the shootout 4-2. The result sends the Atlas Lions through to face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria’s campaign now turns to the third-place playoff against Egypt.
The 90 minutes of regulation time saw a tense tactical duel, with both teams cautious and well organised defensively. Morocco enjoyed stronger territorial play in the early stages and tested Nigeria’s backline, but the Super Eagles stood firm and created a handful of half-chances of their own. Throughout the match, clear goal opportunities were at a premium, reflecting a battle defined more by discipline and strategy than open attacking play.
Extra time followed the goalless draw, with neither side able to find the decisive breakthrough. Nigeria struggled to convert promising build-ups into meaningful chances, and Morocco, buoyed by the home crowd, maintained pressure but without the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock. The solidity of both defenses and the influence of goalkeepers on the day ensured that the match headed to penalties.
In the shootout, Morocco’s composure proved decisive. Nigerian attempts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi were saved, while Morocco’s Yassine Bounou thwarted key spot-kicks, including one from Chukwueze, swinging momentum squarely in favour of the hosts. Moroccan substitute Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a dramatic win and sending the home crowd into jubilant celebration.
For Nigeria, the defeat is a bitter end to an otherwise strong run in the tournament. The Super Eagles showed resilience and tactical organisation throughout their campaign but found goals hard to come by in the crucial semi-final. Meanwhile, Morocco’s victory marks their first AFCON final appearance in over two decades, igniting hopes of winning the title on home soil for the first time since 1976.
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