Nigeria vs Morocco: NFF react to Super Eagles AFCON 2025 semifinal exit

Nigeria’s Football Federation has expressed pride in the Super Eagles despite their painful exit from the AFCON 2025 semifinals against hosts Morocco.

The national team bowed out on penalties after a tense and controversial encounter that went the distance in Rabat.

Shortly after the final whistle, the Nigeria Football Federation took to X to show support for the players following their elimination. In a brief but heartfelt message, the NFF wrote: “Chin up, lads! We are proud of you!”

The Super Eagles were knocked out 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw across 120 minutes, falling short of improving on their AFCON 2023 performance.

It was a cruel end to Nigeria’s campaign, especially given the narrow margins, including refereeing inconsistencies, that defined the semifinal.

Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze missed from the spot, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to score the decisive penalty that sent Morocco into the final, where they will face Senegal.

As expected from two continental heavyweights, the semifinal was a tense and evenly balanced affair with few clear-cut chances.

Morocco threatened early through Brahim Díaz, who flashed an effort wide, while Ademola Lookman forced a save at the other end. Adam Masina and Díaz both went close around the half-hour mark, and Achraf Hakimi’s long-range free-kick clipped the roof of the net.

Stanley Nwabali kept Nigeria level before the break, pushing away a fierce Ismael Saibari strike to ensure the match reached half-time scoreless.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Raphael Onyedika and Abde Ezzalzouli showing early intent before the game became increasingly cautious. Ezzalzouli’s late effort was comfortably saved, forcing extra time.

Morocco looked the more threatening side in the additional period, hitting the post through Nayef Aguerd and testing Nwabali again, while Nigeria struggled to respond, managing just two shots. With no breakthrough, penalties were required, and Morocco prevailed 4–2, their first-ever AFCON shoot-out victory, to end Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title.