Nigeria sent home as Morocco stay on course for first AFCON crown in 50 years

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Nigeria sent home as Morocco stay on course for first AFCON crown in 50 years
Image - CAF

Nigeria have been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat on Wednesday night.

The Super Eagles faced the hosts, Morocco in the semi-final hoping to get a positive result to play Senegal in the final. The Teranga Lions had beaten seven-time winners Egypt to make it to the last hurdle.

While Morocco were chasing their first title in 50 years, Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, were hoping to go a step further following their defeat in the 2023 final by Ivory Coast.

The first half of missed chances

The Atlas Lions were by far the best team in the first half as their opponents failed to settle despite their quality.

In the 10th minute, the current tournament’s top scorer Brahim Diaz, who has scored nine goals, failed to capitalise on an advantage as his shot missed the target with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali well beaten.

Former Sevilla goalkeeper Bono was alert to stop Ademola Lookman from hitting the target in the 15th minute after the Fulham man was fed the ball in a promising position.

The dangerous Victor Osimhen then failed to control a through ball to him in the 27th minute that had left defenders fro dead, eventually losing possession amid cheers from thousands who had flocked Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco could have gone to the break with a 1-0 lead, but six minutes before the whistle, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali pulled a massive save to deny Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui who was certain to hit the target.

Morocco advance after winning the shootout

In the second half, Nigeria seemingly resorted to cautious play as the Atlas Lions continued to push for an opener.

For instance in the 52nd minute, Morocco’s Abde Ezzalzouli was allowed into the danger zone, but once again, he was stopped by Chippa United goalkeeper Nwabali, who was in fine form.

In the 67th minute, Osimhen, once again, had a chance to at least make an attempt but he took too long with the ball in the area and he was eventually dispossessed after the defenders recovered.

With no goal in regulation time, the match was extended to extra time, where nothing substantial happened.

In the shootout, Morocco put four past Nwabali as Nigeria scored just two with Ademola Lookman among those who missed.

Nigeria will now play Egypt on Saturday hoping to finish third as Senegal and Morocco chase the crown a day later.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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