The Super Eagles saw their hopes of lifting a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title fade on Wednesday night after a narrow 4–2 defeat to Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout in Rabat.
After 120 minutes of disciplined but goalless football, Nigeria were undone from the spot, bringing their semi-final journey to a close.
Super Eagles Match Morocco Blow for Blow in Tight Semi-Final
It was a tense contest from the opening whistle, with both teams showing respect for each other and limiting clear chances in a high-stakes encounter.
The Eagles started brightly, pressing early and asking questions from set pieces. Nigeria’s defensive shape held firm as Morocco looked to exploit spaces on the break, creating a balanced and physical contest in the opening exchanges.
Ademola Lookman produced Nigeria’s best moment of the first half, testing goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a long-range strike that forced a smart save.
Despite spells of pressure from both sides, neither team could find the breakthrough before the interval.
Nigeria returned for the second half knowing a sharper attacking edge was needed, but Morocco remained organised and difficult to break down.
Super Eagles Fall at the Final Hurdle After Shootout Drama
As the clock ticked past the hour mark, the game remained delicately poised at 0–0. The Super Eagles continued to show composure and discipline, matching Morocco’s intensity and refusing to give away easy chances.
Regulation time ended without a goal, and extra time followed a similar pattern, with both teams cautious and unwilling to take unnecessary risks. Penalties ultimately decided the outcome.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept Nigeria in contention by saving one kick, but missed efforts from Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze shifted the momentum in Morocco’s favour.
The hosts converted four penalties to seal a place in the final, while Nigeria were left to reflect on a campaign built on resilience and teamwork.
For the Super Eagles, the defeat marked a painful end to a promising AFCON run, one that showed their attacking strength but lacked moments in front of goal this time round