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Morocco crushed Nigeria’s dreams in the AFCON 2025 semi-final. The hosts won 4-2 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw over 120 minutes. The Super Eagles fought valiantly but fell short in the shootout at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria started aggressively. They pressed high and targeted the wings with pace from Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon. Victor Osimhen threatened early but found little space against Morocco’s solid defense. The Atlas Lions stayed compact and absorbed pressure calmly.
Morocco controlled possession throughout the first half. Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui overlapped dangerously. Brahim Diaz pulled strings in attack and tested Stanley Nwabali with clever runs. Neither side created clear chances as caution dominated. The second half brought more intensity. Nigeria committed players forward and earned set pieces. Calvin Bassey headed narrowly wide from a corner. Morocco countered swiftly with Sofyan Amrabat breaking up play masterfully. Goalkeepers Yassine Bounou and Nwabali made routine saves confidently.
Extra time saw fatigue set in. Both teams managed energy carefully and avoided risks. Nigeria substituted Paul Onuachu for Osimhen late on. Morocco introduced fresh legs like Ilias Akhomach. Half-chances came and went without breaking the deadlock.
Penalties decided the outcome. Morocco stepped up first through Neil El Aynaoui and converted coolly. Nigeria responded strongly initially. Samuel Chukwueze then saw Bounou save his weak effort. Bruno Onyemaechi suffered the same fate as the keeper dove correctly again.
Youssef En-Nesyri struck the decisive penalty powerfully. Morocco erupted in celebration while Nigeria’s players sank to the turf. Bounou emerged as the hero with two crucial saves. The hosts advanced to face Senegal in Sunday’s final. Nigeria registered only two shots on target across 120 minutes. They defended resiliently but lacked cutting edge upfront. The Super Eagles reached the semi-finals impressively yet exited painfully once more.
