Nigeria vs Morocco: Super Eagles AFCON dreams shattered as hosts triumph on penalties

As expected from such a clash of giants, Nigeria vs Morocco went all the way to penalties. Unfortunately for Nigeria's Super Eagles, they did not get the chance to do better than their AFCON 2023 performance, losing 4-2 on penalties.

After a dull 0-0 draw during full-time and extra time, Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze's misses from the spot proved pivotal as Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive spot-kick to take Morocco to the final, where they will face Senegal, who earlier triumphed over Egypt.

A tense and evenly matched contest between Morocco and Nigeria produced few clear-cut chances, as both sides struggled for quality in the final third during a cautious first half.

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

Stanley Nwabali was finally tested when he pushed away a fierce Ismael Saibari strike, ensuring the match reached half-time goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Raphael Onyedika and Abde Ezzalzouli both threatened early, but as nerves set in, chances dried up with neither side willing to take risks. Ezzalzouli had the only real opportunity late on, but his low effort was comfortably saved, forcing extra time.

Morocco looked more dangerous in extra time, hitting the post through Nayef Aguerd and forcing further saves from Nwabali. Nigeria offered little in response, managing just two shots across the additional period. With no breakthrough, penalties were required.

The shoot-out swung Morocco’s way after both teams missed early efforts. Following saves from both goalkeepers, Youssef En-Nesyri sealed a historic 4–2 penalty victory, sending the Atlas Lions into the final and marking their first-ever AFCON shoot-out win.