iDeemlawfulNigeria’s quest for a place in the AFCON 2025 final ended on Wednesday night after the Super Eagles were defeated by hosts Morocco in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Rabat.
The suspension of captain Wilfred Ndidi proved decisive, with Nigeria now shifting attention to the third-place playoff.
Morocco remain firmly on track for their first Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 50 years after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a scoreless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Without Ndidi, Nigeria struggled for midfield dominance, and despite a tireless display from Raphael Onyedika, the control, discipline and composure usually provided by the captain were missing.
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The match began cautiously, with both teams finding it difficult to create clear openings. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz registered the first real attempt, dragging a shot wide, before Ademola Lookman tested the goalkeeper at the other end.
Morocco increased the pressure midway through the half, with Adam Masina unable to convert from close range, while Díaz again failed to hit the target.
Achraf Hakimi threatened from a 22-yard free-kick that landed on the roof of the net, and Stanley Nwabali was later forced into action, diving to his right to keep out a powerful Ismael Saibari effort bound for the corner.
The teams went into the interval level, marking only the second occasion Nigeria failed to score in the first half at AFCON 2025.
Nigeria attempted to raise the intensity after the restart, but Onyedika’s early effort went wide. Morocco replied swiftly, as Abde Ezzalzouli forced another save from Nwabali.
As the second half progressed, both sides adopted a cautious approach, reluctant to concede. The final chance in normal time fell to Ezzalzouli, whose low strike from distance was again stopped by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Extra time followed, with Morocco coming closest to scoring. Nayef Aguerd glanced a corner onto the outside of the post, while Hamza Igamane threatened twice, first curling wide after beating Frank Onyeka, then sending a hooked volley straight at Nwabali.
Nigeria struggled to offer an attacking response, managing just two efforts throughout extra time. Neil El Aynaoui nearly snatched a late winner, but his long-range attempt was comfortably dealt with.
With the deadlock unbroken, the contest was settled by penalties. Nigeria initially gained the upper hand when Nwabali saved Igamane’s kick, but Samuel Chukwueze failed to capitalise, striking weakly as Yassine Bounou made the save.
Both sides converted their next efforts before Hakimi calmly put Morocco ahead. Bruno Onyemaechi was then denied by Bounou.
Youssef En-Nesyri made no mistake from the spot to seal Morocco’s victory and book a place in Sunday’s final against Senegal.
For Nigeria, the defeat was a bitter one, with Ndidi’s absence in midfield clearly felt. For Morocco, the hope of lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976 remains firmly alive.