THE Super Eagles of Nigeria’s quest to win the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title has ended in Rabat after a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to the hosts tonight.
The tense semi-final clash at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium ended 0-0 after regulation time and extra-time, with chances few and far between.
The Super Eagles had scored 14 goals in their previous five matches playing fluid, attacking football, but they could muster only two shots in 120 minutes against the hosts.
Indeed it was Morocco who produced most of the attacking moments of the drab encounter, forcing Stanley Nwabali into several saves as the Super Eagles front three of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were starved of any real service.
With penalties approaching, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle brought on Paul Onuachu (for a limping Osimhen) and Samuel Chukwueze.
Both late substitutes took part in the shootout, but while Onuachu converted his effort to open the scoring for the Super Eagles, Chukwueze’s tame attempt was saved moments after Nwabali had given Nigeria an advantage by making a good save.
Morocco converted four of their five kicks, while Bruno Onyemaechi also missed for the Super Eagles while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted.
Morocco will face Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat while the Super Eagles and Egypt will battle for third place on Saturday in Casablanca.