The Super Eagles’ bid for a fourth continental crown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco ended on Wednesday after a 4–2 penalty shootout loss to the host nation at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria endured long spells of pressure during the 90 minutes, which finished goalless, but managed to force extra time before the match was decided from the spot, where two missed penalties proved costly.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi was unavailable for the semi-final due to suspension following accumulated yellow cards in the round of 16 and quarter-final. In his absence, head coach Eric Chelle handed Raphael Onyedika a second consecutive start, while retaining the rest of the line-up that defeated Algeria in the quarter-final.
Unlike previous matches, the Super Eagles struggled to find their rhythm from the opening whistle, finding it difficult to keep possession and cope with Morocco’s intensity in front of a packed home crowd.
Clear-cut chances were limited in the early stages due to a lack of quality in the final third. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz dragged an effort wide, while Ademola Lookman saw his attempt saved at the other end. Achraf Hakimi later tested from a 22-yard free-kick that landed on the roof of the net.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was called into action soon after, diving low to his right to push away a powerful Ismael Saibari shot heading for the bottom corner. That proved to be the final major chance of a closely fought first half, making it only the second Nigeria match at the tournament to reach the break without a goal.
The second half became increasingly tense, with both sides cautious. The clearest opening fell to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose low drive from distance was comfortably saved by Nwabali. Nigeria finished regulation time with just two shots, while Morocco nearly snatched a late winner when Neil El Aynaoui’s stoppage-time effort was struck straight at the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Penalties were required to decide who would face Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat. El Aynaoui opened the scoring for Morocco, before Paul Onuachu converted for Nigeria. The Super Eagles briefly gained the upper hand when Nwabali saved Igamane’s kick, but Samuel Chukwueze failed to take advantage as his effort was also stopped.
Ben Seghir restored Morocco’s lead, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replied for Nigeria, and Hakimi converted to put the hosts back in front. Bruno Onyemaechi then saw his penalty saved by Yassine Bounou, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to score the decisive kick and send the Atlas Lions into their first AFCON final since 2004 as they chase a first continental title in 50 years.
Nigeria, the most successful bronze medalists in AFCON history with eight third-place finishes, will now face Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
