Nigeria’s quest for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final ended in dramatic fashion on yesterday night as the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco after a gripping, goalless semi-final in Rabat.
The tense encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium produced no goals after 90 minutes and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout that ultimately favoured the Atlas Lions. The victory sent Morocco through to their first AFCON final since 2004, triggering emotional celebrations among the players, coaching staff and home supporters.
From the outset, the match lived up to its billing as a high-stakes semifinal. Morocco enjoyed spells of sustained pressure, driven on by a passionate home crowd, while Nigeria remained compact and disciplined, soaking up pressure and looking to break through the pace of Ademola Lookman and the physical presence of captain Victor Osimhen. Calvin Bassey was outstanding at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, repeatedly denying Moroccan forwards with timely interceptions and clearances.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was also in inspired form, making several crucial saves to keep the Super Eagles in the contest. He reacted sharply to efforts from Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Nigeria’s defensive organisation frustrated Morocco’s attempts to find a breakthrough. At the other end, Nigeria created a handful of opportunities, with Lookman forcing Yassine Bounou into action and Alex Iwobi testing from range, but clear-cut chances remained scarce.
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The deadlock persisted into extra time, where fatigue began to take its toll. Morocco came closest to breaking the stalemate when defender Nayef Aguerd met a deep cross with a header that crashed against the post. Nigeria responded with continued resilience, clearing their lines and holding firm as the clock ticked down.
With neither side able to find a winning goal, the semifinal was decided by penalties. Morocco struck first through Neil El Aynaoui, before substitute Paul Onuachu calmly converted Nigeria’s opening kick. Nwabali then raised hopes for Nigeria with a superb one-handed save from Hamza Igamane, but Samuel Chukwueze failed to take advantage, his weak effort comfortably saved by Bounou.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru restored parity with a confident penalty, only for Achraf Hakimi to respond in style, rolling the ball coolly into the corner to put Morocco back in front. Nigeria’s hopes suffered another blow when Bounou produced a fine save to deny Bruno Onyemaechi, leaving the hosts on the verge of victory.
Substitute Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up with composure and power, smashing home the decisive penalty to seal a 4-2 shootout win and send the Rabat crowd into raptures.
Nigeria will be playing in the third place match against Egypt who had lost 1-0 to 2021 champions, Senegal on Saturday.
