Morocco Edge Super Eagles on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final
After 120 minutes of tense football, Morocco booked a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, knocking out the Super Eagles of Nigeria via a penalty shootout.
The semi-final ended goalless after extra time, with neither side able to impose their usual style in a tightly contested encounter. In the shootout, Nigeria converted two spot-kicks, while Morocco scored four to seal victory beyond the reach of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria struggled offensively as the Moroccans effectively neutralised Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Adams Akor in attack, while the team’s trademark fluid passing failed to click.
Despite the presence of Alex Iwobi in midfield, the absence of captain Wilfred Ndidi—suspended after accumulating yellow cards in the quarter-final—proved costly for the Super Eagles.
