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The Super Eagles were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.
Nigeria failed to create enough chances to score and failed to capitalize on the few ones they had.
At the end of 90 minutes, there were no goals, as both teams struggled to find the back of the net.
There was also no goals at the end of 120 minutes and the second finalist had to be decided via penalties.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemachi missed for the Eagles, while the Atlas Lions converted all their kicks.
Morocco will now face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria take on Egypt in the third-place playoff.
Nigeria’s hopes were dashed when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyamaechi failed to convert, giving Morocco a 4–2 shootout victory.
Both Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored, while Chukwueze missed, and Onyamaechi’s attempt was saved.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final, aiming to claim only their second AFCON title, following their last triumph in 1976.
Nigeria will contest third place on Saturday with Egypt, who lost 1–0 to Senegal earlier on Wednesday.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was superb at right-back, as was his counterpart on the left side, Noussair Mazraoui.
Both played prominent roles in the attack, keeping pressure on Nigeria while also limiting the impact of the Super Eagles’ attackers.
The Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout, with En-Nesyri converting the decisive penalty to send the home team into the final.
