Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ aim for gold at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to an abrupt end after they lost to the host nation, Morocco, on penalties in a tense semi-final clash on Wednesday, January 14.

It was the teams’ first AFCON meeting since 2004, with Morocco leading the head-to-head ratio with three wins to Nigeria’s two from their five overall before the match. The heavyweight semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat was billed as one of the tournament’s defining fixtures.

Largely true to expectations, the contest delivered in intensity, with the hosts playing the better football on the night. However, despite both sides’ high-scoring runs heading into the match, goals proved hard to come by.

The Super Eagles, who were the highest scoring team in Morocco, registered just one shot on target, courtesy of Ademola Lookman’s searching effort early in the first half. Morocco, on their part, created more chances, but Stanley Nwabali stood firm, with a resolute defensive line led by Calvin Bassey also proving its mettle as the game dragged through extra time and into penalties.

Nwabali handed Nigeria an early advantage in the shootout after saving Hamza Igamane’s effort, but Samuel Chukwueze’s dreadful spot-kick made it count for nothing as Achraf Hakimi converted for Morocco. Yassine Bounou then denied Bruno Onyemaechi before substitute Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to send the Atlas Lions into the final, sealing a 4–2 victory.

Morocco will now face Senegal, who earlier defeated Egypt, in Sunday’s final. Meanwhile, Nigeria, fresh off its silver-medal finish at AFCON 2023, will battle Egypt in the third-place playoff.