Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following their penalty shootout loss to tournament hosts Morocco on Wednesday.

The match, played in a highly charged atmosphere, ended goalless after 90 minutes of regulation time and remained deadlocked after extra time, forcing the outcome to be decided from the penalty spot.

Both teams had opportunities during the 120 minutes but were unable to convert. Morocco controlled periods of possession, with key players such as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Abde Ezzalzouli probing the Nigerian defense, while the Super Eagles relied on swift counter-attacks led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi.

Despite several threatening attempts from both sides, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Morocco’s Bono kept the scoreline at 0-0, showcasing solid defensive performances throughout the match.

Extra time saw Nigeria make attacking substitutions, including the introduction of Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze, while Morocco refreshed their lineup with Youssef En Nesyri and Eliesse Ben Seghir.

Both sides pressed for the winning goal, but neither could break the deadlock, setting up a tense penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Morocco edged Nigeria 1-0. The Super Eagles’ Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze were denied by Bono, while Neil El Aynaoui converted the decisive penalty for Morocco.

Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored for Nigeria, but it was not enough to secure progression to the final.

With this defeat, Nigeria’s journey in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ends at the semi-final stage.

Eric Chelle’s team will now focus on the third-place play-off, where they will face Egypt on Saturday, as they aim to finish the tournament on a positive note.

Wale Adejumo