‎Morocco Ends Super Eagles’ AFCON Run with 4-2 Penalty Shootout to Face Senegal in Final ‎

By Emmanuel Kwada 

‎The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s valiant campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 came to a painful conclusion in the semi-final against hosts Morocco on Wednesday night, as the Atlas Lions clinched a 4-2 victory on penalties after a fiercely contested 0-0 draw that lasted 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Moroccans are celebrating their 4-2 penalty shootout win against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

‎Nigeria, who had stormed through the tournament as the only unbeaten side with five straight wins and the competition’s leading goal tally of 14 before this encounter, faced a disciplined and resolute Moroccan defense that had allowed just one goal throughout the competition.

‎Buoyed by an electric home crowd and tactical mastery from coach Walid Regragui, Morocco dictated much of the game’s tempo with patient possession and aggressive pressing, while Nigeria’s normally potent attack struggled to find its usual fluency.

‎Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen was kept quiet by tight marking and limited service.

‎Early danger came from Morocco’s Brahim Díaz with a curling shot that drifted wide, and Ademola Lookman responded by forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

‎In the second half, Stanley Nwabali produced an outstanding stop to deny Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, but Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen was kept quiet by tight marking and limited service, resulting in the Super Eagles managing only two shots across the entire match—their lowest output in an AFCON game since detailed statistics began in 2010.

‎As fatigue took hold in extra time, both teams grew cautious, and late substitutions such as Paul Onuachu for Osimhen failed to unlock the deadlock, sending the tie to penalties.

‎‎Bounou’s two decisive saves earned him hero status and propelled Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004

‎In the shootout, Morocco took the initiative with Neil El Aynaoui converting the opening kick, before Paul Onuachu calmly leveled for Nigeria.

‎Hamza Igamane’s effort was brilliantly saved by Nwabali to give the Super Eagles brief hope, but Eliesse Ben Seghir restored Morocco’s advantage.

‎Fisayo Dele-Bashiru kept Nigeria in it with a composed finish, yet Achraf Hakimi coolly put the hosts ahead again. Bruno Onyemaechi then saw his attempt saved by Bounou, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to seal the victory with a powerful low strike into the bottom corner.

Sadio Mane celebrating his decisive 78th-minute goal against Egypt.

‎Bounou’s two decisive saves earned him hero status and propelled Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, where they will now face Senegal on Sunday, January 18, in pursuit of their second continental title and first since 1976.

‎Earlier in the day, Senegal secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in Tangier, thanks to Sadio Mané’s decisive 78th-minute goal.

‎The Teranga Lions dominated possession in a tense, low-scoring affair but struggled to break through Egypt’s stubborn defense until Mané latched onto a loose ball outside the box and fired a low right-footed shot past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy after a deflected effort from Lamine Camara.

‎Mohamed Salah was well contained throughout, with Egypt managing few clear chances and only one shot on target late on, marking another heartbreaking knockout exit for the Pharaohs and extending their wait for an eighth title since 2010.

‎‎The absence of suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi disrupted midfield balance

‎Nigeria’s attacking stars were stifled by Morocco’s compact backline, while the Super Eagles struggled to control possession and dictate the rhythm against the hosts’ intensity and home advantage.

‎The absence of suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi disrupted midfield balance, accumulated fatigue and key yellow cards limited options, and nerves in the shootout proved costly despite Nwabali’s heroics.

‎This marks consecutive high-stakes penalty defeats for Nigeria, following their recent World Cup qualifier exit to DR Congo.

‎Although the wait for a fourth AFCON crown—and first since 2013—continues, the Super Eagles can take pride in an entertaining and promising run.

Wilfred Ndidi in action against Tunisia

‎They now turn their attention to the third-place play-off against Egypt on Saturday, January 17, in Casablanca, where a victory would secure a bronze medal and provide a positive end to the campaign for both sides eliminated in the semis.

‎As Morocco chase glory on home soil against a formidable Senegal side led by Mané, Nigeria’s journey highlights both their potential and the fine margins at the highest level of African football.

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