AFCON 2025: Morocco Defeat Nigeria 4–2 On Penalties To Set Up Final Clash With Senegal
Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday crashed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 4–2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in a tense semi-final encounter that ended goalless after extra time.
The fiercely contested match was played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Morocco dominated possession and attacking momentum but failed to break down a resilient Nigerian defence during regulation and extra time.
Morocco registered 16 attempts on goal compared to Nigeria’s two, but both goalkeepers delivered commanding performances to keep the scoreline level after 120 minutes. Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali produced several crucial saves, while Morocco’s Yassine Bounou stood firm to deny late pressure from the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman struggled to impose themselves on the game, with Morocco’s compact defence limiting their influence throughout the match.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was outstanding at right-back, contributing both defensively and offensively, while Noussair Mazraoui impressed on the left flank as the Atlas Lions consistently pushed forward.
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The stalemate was eventually settled in a penalty shootout, where Morocco showed greater composure. Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive kick to seal a 4–2 victory for the hosts.
Nigeria’s hopes faded after Samuel Chukwueze missed his effort and Bruno Onyamaechi saw his penalty saved. Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted their kicks for Nigeria, but it was not enough to prevent elimination.
Under intense pressure to deliver a first AFCON title in nearly 50 years, Walid Regragui’s side will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final, buoyed by home support and renewed confidence.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks another painful semi-final exit, coming two years after losing the AFCON final to hosts Ivory Coast.
Morocco are chasing their second Africa Cup of Nations title, their first since 1976, while Nigeria will face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff after the Pharaohs lost 1–0 to Senegal earlier on Wednesday.