Morocco on Wednesday night booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after knocking Nigeria out 4-2 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw that stretched into extra time.
Naijaonpoint reports that the match, officiated by Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, was a battle of patience and defensive discipline, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes.
Nigeria, driven by the attacking threat of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had spells of possession but could not find a breakthrough against a well-organised Moroccan back line.
Morocco, marshalled by captain Achraf Hakimi, carried the greater goal threat in open play. Stanley Nwabali was called into action several times, notably denying Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Bono remained alert at the other end to keep out Lookman’s first-half effort.
The penalty shoot-out proved decisive. Morocco converted through Nabil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En Nesyri. Nigeria stayed in the contest via Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but missed efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi swung the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour.
In the end, Hakimi’s calm finish and En Nesyri’s successful kick sealed a hard-fought victory for the Atlas Lions.
Nigeria will now take on Egypt in the third place match.
Following the lose, Nigerians took to social media to react. See reactions below:
Imran Muhammad said: “My question is why Lookman and Iwobi didn’t step up and take the penalties?”
Dada Olusegun, a special assistant to President Bola Tinubu, simply wrote: “Thank you Stanley Nwabali!”
“But for @DanielLaryea3, the Ghanaian referee that handled this #MARNGA #AFCON2025 semi-final, I have no good words for him. If I talk… 😡” Osasu Obayiuwana wrote.
Janine Tony said: “Don’t worry, Nigeria. WE shall avenge thee. Preserve your #AFCON2025 honour. Catch us in Morocco for the WAFCON between March and April 2026. I shall be there. And shall be sat. #NIGMOR #MARNGA”
“Chukweze I have so many things to say about you but lemme just keep shut. It’s one thing to miss PK but your body shape was really really poor #MARNGA,” AFC Beeb wrote.
Rachel Bereba said: “I’m still proud,very proud of my Super Eagles. This was the finals before the final.”
According to Yemisi Koala, “I am sure if not for anything at all, the God of football made us lose surely because of OLISEH supremely biased commentary.
“The Moroccans are scared of getting to the penalties..” – OLISEH 2025.
“Nwabali is better Bono in penalties”- OLISEH Goodnight”
JJ Omojunwa said: “What was that nonsense from Chukwueze? A whole Premier League player? Shocking.”
Akin Alabi wrote: “I’m still scratching my head. You were not sure of Chukwueze during the game despite Akor’s poor outing. You found a way for Simon but somehow you found Chukwueze okay for penalties.”
Oku Yung says: “CHUKWUEZE needs to be investigated. Bruh, F*CK everybody’s feelings right now and investigate that guy.
“What he did tonight was uncalled for and showed a complete sell out.
“Only an unserious head plays such PENALTY. A TOP TIER FOOL !! Foolish boy.
“You get left but forget say you suppose hang ball or loss the keeper.
“NWABALI was the ginger yet you killed the team’s moral. F*CK YOU.”