Nigeria’s Super Eagles will battle Egypt for third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to host nation Morocco, who sealed the encounter with 4–2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw.
The fiercely contested clash, played under an electric atmosphere at the Rabat Stadium, lived up to its billing as both sides traded tackles, chances, and tactical discipline over 90 minutes of regular time. Despite several promising attacking moves from both teams, neither could find the breakthrough, forcing the match into extra time.
Morocco pressed relentlessly in search of a winner, launching wave after wave of attacks, but Nigeria’s resolute defence and outstanding goalkeeping kept the hosts at bay. The Super Eagles’ goalkeeper was in inspired form, pulling off five crucial saves to frustrate the Moroccans and preserve Nigeria’s hopes.
With the deadlock still unbroken after extra time, the semi-final was decided by penalties. The hosts held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their kicks to Nigeria’s two, to seal a place in the final and dash the Super Eagles’ title ambitions.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against Egypt, aiming to end their AFCON 2025 outing on a positive note while Senegal will face Morocco at the finals.
Earlier, the Senegalese team edged Egypt out at the Semi finals after 1-0 win leading them into the finals of the competition.
