Nigeria’s Super Eagles have crashed out of AFCON 2025 after Morocco defeated them via penalties to seal a place in the tournament final. The semi-final ended 0–0 after extra time in Rabat before Morocco won the shootout 4–2.
The result sends Morocco into a final clash against Senegal, while Nigeria heads to the third-place playoff against Egypt.
How the match played out (90 minutes + extra time)
The semi-final was tense and tactical, with both sides cancelling each other out and limiting clear chances across regulation and extra time. Morocco had the brighter moments in open play, testing Nigeria’s shape and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, while Nigeria struggled to produce their usual cutting edge despite entering the game as the tournament’s top scorers.
In the final stages, a bold substitution drew attention: Victor Osimhen was taken off before the penalty shootout, a decision that became a major talking point after Nigeria lost the shootout.
What happened in the penalty shootout
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Bono) was the difference-maker, saving two penalties to swing the shootout in the hosts’ favour.
Nigeria missed spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Morocco converted enough to seal it, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the decisive penalty.
Key takeaways from Nigeria’s loss
1) Morocco managed the big moments better
In knockout football, composure matters. Morocco stayed calm, trusted their keeper, and executed their penalties.
2) Nigeria’s attack went quiet at the worst time
Despite a strong tournament run, Nigeria lacked sharpness in the semi-final and didn’t create enough decisive chances across 120 minutes.
3) The Osimhen substitution will be debated
With the game heading to penalties, removing a top striker inevitably raises questions—especially after the shootout outcome.
What’s next: final and third-place playoff
- Morocco advance to face defending champions Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final.
- Nigeria will play Egypt in the third-place match.
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