Tournament hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless semi-final encounter in Rabat, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to its billing, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes of football. Despite Morocco enjoying the bulk of possession and territorial advantage, Nigeria remained disciplined and compact, forcing the Atlas Lions to rely on a penalty shootout to decide the outcome.
Morocco set the tempo from the opening exchanges, dominating possession in the first half and probing patiently for openings against Nigeria’s well-organised defence. The Super Eagles adopted a cautious approach, prioritising defensive solidity and quick transitions, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was called into action on several occasions to deny the hosts.
Nigeria grew into the contest after the break and enjoyed brief spells of pressure, but clear-cut chances remained scarce for both teams. Morocco continued to circulate the ball with confidence, yet struggled to break through Nigeria’s back line as the match drifted into extra time without a goal.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with Morocco pushing forward and Nigeria holding firm. Fatigue became evident on both sides, but neither team managed to find the decisive breakthrough, sending the semi-final to penalties.
The shootout initially swung in Nigeria’s favour when Nwabali produced a fine save to deny Morocco’s second kick, raising hopes of a Super Eagles victory. However, Nigeria were unable to capitalise fully on the advantage, converting only two of their spot-kicks. Morocco kept their composure under pressure, scoring four times to seal a dramatic win in front of their home supporters.
The victory sends Morocco into the AFCON 2025 final, where they will face Senegal. The Teranga Lions secured their place earlier on Saturday with a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt in the first semi-final.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff, where it is set to take on Egypt as it looks to end its AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note.
Oluwayemi Omolagba