Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak on Wednesday night as the Super Eagles lost 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco, following a tense 0–0 draw after extra time in the semi-final.
The contest—played at a high tempo and with championship-level intensity—was decided not by open play, but by composure from the spot, where Morocco proved more clinical.
First Half: Nigeria Compact, Morocco on the Front Foot
From kick-off, Morocco asserted territorial dominance, pushing high and circulating the ball with confidence. Nigeria responded with a disciplined, compact shape, denying space between the lines and forcing the hosts wide.
Morocco carved out the first real opening around the 18th minute, when a low cross from the right flashed across the six-yard box, but no red shirt arrived in time. Nigeria’s clearest chance of the half came just before the break, as a quick counter released a forward into the channel, only for the final shot to be smothered by the Moroccan goalkeeper.
The half ended scoreless, but finely balanced—Morocco with possession, Nigeria with defensive control.
Second Half: Tactical Chess and Missed Chances
The tempo increased after the interval. Morocco continued to press, drawing a sharp save from Nigeria’s goalkeeper with a curling effort from distance around the 55th minute.
Nigeria grew into the game midway through the half, winning midfield duels and threatening on the break. A dangerous free kick from the edge of the box was narrowly deflected wide, while a late scramble in Morocco’s penalty area caused momentary panic but failed to produce the breakthrough.
As fatigue set in, both sides became more cautious, unwilling to concede the decisive goal. Regulation time ended at 0–0.
Extra Time: Tension Without the Finish
Extra time brought drama but no goals. Morocco thought they had scored early in the first period, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the effort offside.
Nigeria came closest in the second period of extra time, when a low cross from the left was met by a first-time effort that shaved the outside of the post. Morocco responded with a late surge, forcing a last-ditch clearance in the dying seconds.
After 120 minutes, neither side could find the net.
Penalty Shootout: Morocco Hold Their Nerve
The semi-final was settled from the spot.
Morocco converted four of their penalties with authority.
Nigeria missed two crucial kicks, including one saved and another sent wide.
The shootout ended 4–2 in Morocco’s favour, sparking celebrations among the home crowd and sending the Atlas Lions through to the AFCON 2025 final.
For Nigeria national football team, the defeat is a bitter end to a resilient tournament run defined by defensive organisation and tactical discipline, but ultimately undone by penalties.
For Morocco national football team, victory keeps alive hopes of lifting the continental title on home soil as they advance to the final of Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Nigeria will now turn their focus to the third-place playoff, while Morocco prepare for a final shaped as much by nerve as by quality.
