By Ajewole Joshua
Rabat, Morocco — January 14, 2026 (ABNews) Hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties in a tense semi-final clash that ended 0–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, on Wednesday night.
The highly anticipated encounter lived up to expectations, producing a tactical battle that stretched into 120 minutes without a goal, as both sides displayed defensive discipline and physical intensity under the watchful eyes of a packed home crowd.
Despite boasting attacking talents on both ends, including Victor Osimhen for Nigeria and Youssef En-Nesyri for Morocco, clear-cut chances were limited. Morocco enjoyed more possession, while Nigeria looked dangerous on the counter, but neither team could find the breakthrough.
With the deadlock unbroken, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where the hosts showed greater composure. Morocco converted four of their spot kicks, while Nigeria managed only two, sealing a 4–2 shootout victory and sending the Atlas Lions into the AFCON final.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero of the night, making a crucial save during the shootout and maintaining calm authority throughout the match. Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En-Nesyri successfully converted their penalties, drawing loud celebrations from the home supporters.
For Nigeria, the defeat was heartbreaking. The Super Eagles defended resolutely and matched Morocco stride for stride but were undone in the lottery of penalties, with Bruno Onyemaechi among the players who failed to convert from the spot.
Coaches’ and Players’ Reactions
Before the match, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui had described the tie as “a final before the final,” acknowledging Nigeria’s quality and stressing the need for mental strength — a statement that proved prophetic after the nerve-racking finish.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who had earlier praised Morocco as “a great team with very good players,” saw his side fall just short despite a disciplined and courageous performance.
Super Eagles players were visibly distraught after the final kick, while Moroccan players celebrated what many fans described as a historic step toward continental glory on home soil.
What’s Next
Morocco will now face Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final, after the West African giants defeated Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will turn their attention to the third-place playoff, aiming to end their AFCON campaign on a positive note after an otherwise commendable run to the semi-finals.
