Super Eagles Fall to Morocco in Tense Semi-Final Shootout
The journey for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the AFCON 2025 reached a dramatic and painful conclusion on Wednesday night, January 14, 2026. Despite a valiant defensive performance and several flashes of brilliance from Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria was eliminated by Morocco via a 4-2 penalty shootout after the match remained 0-0 through regulation and extra time.
The defeat marks a significant moment in the tournament, as the hosts, the Atlas Lions, move on to face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria prepares for a third-place playoff against Egypt.
A Tactical Stalemate in Rabat
From the blast of the whistle, it was clear that both teams prioritized defensive solidity. Morocco, backed by a raucous home crowd, dominated possession for large spells, utilizing the creativity of Brahim Diaz and the overlapping runs of Achraf Hakimi. However, Nigeria’s defensive line, led by the towering Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, remained impenetrable.
The Super Eagles relied on quick counter-attacks, often looking for the pace of Ademola Lookman and the strength of Osimhen. Nigeria’s best chance in regulation time fell to Raphael Onyedika, whose long-range effort forced a spectacular save from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. At the other end, Stanley Nwabali proved his worth yet again, making three crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the hunt.
The Drama of Extra Time
As fatigue set in during the additional 30 minutes, the game became even more cagey. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, made tactical substitutions, bringing on Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu in the dying minutes—a move clearly aimed at the impending shootout.
Morocco almost snatched a winner in the 115th minute when Nayef Aguerd’s header rattled the crossbar, but the deadlock remained unbroken, leading to the ultimate test of nerves: the penalty shootout.
The Penalty Shootout: How It Folded
The shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans in Rabat and across Nigeria:
- Morocco’s Start: Nayef El Aynaoui opened with a cool finish.
- Nigeria’s Response: Paul Onuachu leveled the score, beating Bounou.
- The Turning Point: Morocco’s Hamza Igamane saw his shot saved by Nwabali, giving Nigeria the advantage. However, Samuel Chukwueze immediately missed his spot-kick, returning the momentum to the hosts.
- The Decider: After Bruno Onyemaechi missed Nigeria’s fourth penalty, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Nwabali to seal a 4-2 win for the Atlas Lions.
Looking Ahead: The Third-Place Playoff
While the dream of “Let’s Do It Again” has been deferred, the Super Eagles still have much to play for. Nigeria will face Egypt on Saturday, January 17, in the third-place match. This “Losers’ Final” remains a prestigious fixture, offering Nigeria the chance to end their impressive tournament run with a bronze medal.
Conclusion: A Proud Campaign Ends in Heartbreak
Nigeria’s performance throughout AFCON 2025 has been nothing short of commendable. From silencing critics in the group stages to eliminating heavyweights like Algeria, the team has shown immense growth. Although the penalty lottery didn’t favor the Super Eagles this time, the future of Nigerian football remains bright with this young and resilient squad.
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