For Nigeria, it is the familiar taste of "so close, yet so far." The Super Eagles’ quest for a fourth African title crashed and burned in the semi-finals, losing 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco after a brave 1-1 draw.

Two missed penalty kicks sealed their fate, rendering a heroic 120-minute performance futile. Coach Jose Peseiro praised his players’ "fighting spirit" but admitted that the lottery of penalties is cruel. The team will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff, a consolation prize that few in Lagos will celebrate.