The Super Eagles will not play in Sunday’s final of the 2025 AFCON after they again fell on the lottery of a penalty shootout to hosts Morocco in Rabat tonight.
A much-welcome surprise for Bounou. And welcome to the final, Morocco. 🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/aAnmuKw4dY
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026
It was the same venue, where Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes came crashing against DR Congo in November.
Tonight, both Nigeria and Morocco failed to score in 120 minutes that included extra time.
And in the ensuing penalty shootout, the Atlas Lions of Morocco triumphed 4-2.
Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored from the spot, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved one of Morocco’s kicks, while Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi had their efforts saved by Man of the Match goalkeeper Bounou of Morocco.
They will now play the third-place match against Egypt Saturday, while the final will be between Morocco and Senegal, who pipped the Egyptians 1-0 in the earlier semifinal played in Tangier.
In regulation time as well as the extra time, Morocco, pushed on by a packed Prince Mouley Abdellah Stadium, created the better chances and enjoyed more of the ball possession.
However, they could not make this count as the Super Eagles managed the game and pressure well and so the game had to in the end be decided by a penalty shootout.
