The dream of a fourth continental title has ended in tears for Nigeria. In a pulsating semi-final clash in Tangier, hosts Morocco defeated the Super Eagles 4-2 on penalties after a grueling 1-1 draw, booking their place in the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.

It was a night where heroes were made and hearts were broken. Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, cemented his legendary status, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout to deny Nigeria. For the Super Eagles, who had fought valiantly against a hostile home crowd, the lottery of penalties once again proved their undoing.

A Tactical Chess Match

The game itself was a masterclass in tension. Nigeria took the lead early in the second half through a Victor Osimhen header, silencing the raucous Stade Ibn Batouta. But the Atlas Lions, buoyed by the relentless chanting of their fans, clawed their way back. Achraf Hakimi’s equalizer in the 83rd minute was a thing of beauty, a curling effort that left Stanley Nwabali with no chance.

Extra time saw both teams exhausted, trading blows like weary boxers. Nigeria felt aggrieved when a VAR check for a potential handball in the Moroccan box was waved away, a decision that will likely dominate Lagos talk radio for weeks.

• The Shootout Drama: When it came to penalties, Bounou was imperious. He saved efforts from Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, while Morocco converted all four of theirs with nerveless precision. The final kick sparked wild celebrations across the kingdom, as Morocco reached their first final since 2004.
• Senegal Awaits: The result sets up a mouth-watering final: The Atlas Lions vs. The Teranga Lions. Senegal, who dispatched Egypt 1-0 courtesy of a Sadio Mane strike, will look to defend their crown against the home favorites.

"We Gave Everything"

"We are devastated, but we gave everything," said a tearful Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong. "Penalties are cruel. We apologize to our fans."

For Morocco, the party is just beginning. Having conquered the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, they are now one win away from confirming their status as the undisputed kings of African football. For Nigeria, the inquest begins: a talented generation once again falls just short of glory.