The dreaming eyes get deem, and hopes takes a nosedive, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking loss from the 2025 AFCON after losing 4-2 on penalties to host Morocco in a tense semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
Indeed, the encounter widely billed as a “final before the final”, ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, with both sides locked in a fierce tactical battle. Fairly speaking, the match itself was an absorbing, finely balanced. Both Nigeria and Morocco showed intent from the outset, trading early opportunities in an open first half.
The Super Eagles’ key attacking players, including Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, struggled to impose themselves on the game, as chances were few and far between. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen, Pinpointed as Nigerian talisman was tightly marshalled throughout, with Morocco’s defence acutely aware of the danger any lapse in concentration could pose.
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During the extra time, as fatigue set in, and the stakes rose, caution prevailed, with both teams opting for a safety-first approach. With no breakthrough forthcoming after 120 minutes, penalties were required — and it was Yassine Bounou’s night to shine, as Morocco marched on to a long-awaited AFCON final.
The Moroccan Goalkeeper, Bounou, was the hero of the shootout, saving penalties from Chukwueze and Onyemaechi, before Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive kick to send the home crowd into raptures.
It is claimed that the Atlas Lions of Morocco will now return to Rabat on Sunday for the final, where they will face Senegal, champions of the 2021 edition. Morocco are aiming to lift the AFCON trophy for only the second time in their history, with their sole previous triumph coming exactly 50 years ago in 1976.
For Nigeria, hopes of reaching a second consecutive African Cup Of Nation’s final were dashed to the wall, and the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the third-place play-off against Egypt on Saturday in Casablanca.
