Nigeria Fall to Morocco in AFCON Semi-Final 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco, following a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday. 

The loss ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the final, while Morocco booked their spot to face Senegal on Sunday.

The semi-final was tightly contested over 120 minutes, with both sides showing moments of attacking intent. Morocco dominated possession and attacking play, registering 16 shots compared to Nigeria’s 2, but were unable to break the deadlock during regulation and extra time.

Key saves from Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou kept the match goalless. Both teams created chances, but the forwards struggled to convert opportunities, keeping fans on edge until the shootout.

The penalty shootout proved decisive, with Nigeria’s hopes dashed when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyamaechi failed to score. Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted their penalties, but Morocco clinched the win 4–2, ensuring their place in the final.

Nigeria now turns their attention to the third-place clash against Egypt on Saturday, after the Pharaohs fell 1–0 to Senegal earlier on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Morocco will aim for only their second AFCON title, having last lifted the trophy in 1976.