The dream of another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) title has been deferred for Nigeria, Africa’s eldest son.
On a tense night in Rabat, the Super Eagles fell to host nation Morocco after 120 minutes without a goal, losing 4–2 on penalties in a semi-final that ended not with chaos, but with quiet frustration.
The Super Eagles are out of the title race, not through collapse or cowardice, but through a familiar problem at the sharp end.
As the tournament moves toward its final weekend, the family meeting continues, only now, Nigeria are watching from the side of the table.
Rabat Heartbreak: When Control Wasn’t Enough
The semi-final never caught fire. It smoldered.
For two hours, Nigeria and Morocco cancelled each other out. The hosts had more of the ball and more opportunities, but Nigeria defended with discipline and resilience.
When the whistle finally sent the match to penalties, it felt less like a climax and more like an inevitability.
The shootout went Morocco’s way, 4–2. Stanley Nwabali made one save, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi ended Nigeria’s campaign.
Bono’s incredible penalty performances continue
Earlier in the evening, Senegal edged Egypt 1–0 in Tangier, with Sadio Mané’s 77th-minute strike enough to book the Teranga Lions’ place in Sunday’s final.
Steel at the Back, Silence Up Front
If there was one clear truth from Rabat, it was this: Nigeria defended well enough to reach a final, but did not attack well enough to win one.
The front three of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, so effective earlier in the tournament, were kept at arm’s length by Morocco’s structure and pressing.
Nigeria managed just one shot on target across 120 minutes and did not earn a corner until extra time. The creative link between midfield and attack rarely held.
Behind them, Calvin Bassey produced one of the standout defensive performances of the tournament. He made crucial clearances, blocks, and recoveries, repeatedly extinguishing danger.
It was a commanding display that deserved better. However, a controversial yellow card in the first half means he will miss the third-place playoff.
The absence of Wilfred Ndidi was also telling. Raphael Onyedika worked hard but struggled with the positional discipline and authority required at this level.
Nigeria missed Ndidi’s ability to protect space and manage transitions.
The positive? Ndidi returns for the third-place playoff but it does not seem like it would mean much.
A Pattern Nigeria Cannot Ignore
This defeat fits into an uncomfortable recent trend. Nigeria lost the AFCON 2023 final to hosts Ivory Coast.
They exited a World Cup playoff on penalties. Now, AFCON 2025 ends with another shootout loss, against another host nation.
It is not a question of mentality or effort. It is about margins, execution, and finding solutions when space disappears.
Until Nigeria solve that problem, these late-stage exits will continue to feel painfully familiar.
The Noise During and After the Whistle
As expected, the officiating became part of the conversation. Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea came under heavy criticism from fans and commentators, particularly for what was perceived as uneven discipline.
Calvin Bassey’s seemingly undeserved yellow card contrasted with a series of unpunished fouls by Moroccan players, while several soft decisions appeared to halt Nigerian momentum.
But even amid the noise, the reality remains difficult to escape: you cannot win a semi-final without testing the goalkeeper.
Third-Place and Final Fixtures
Saturday, Jan 17
- Egypt vs Nigeria — 5:00pm (Third-Place Playoff)
Sunday, Jan 18
- Senegal vs Morocco — 8:00pm (Final)
One More Meeting Left, However Small
Nigeria are not finished. The Super Eagles will face Egypt in the AFCON 2025 third-place playoff, while Senegal and Morocco contest the final.
Pride, ranking points, and narrative still matter. Ending the tournament with clarity and control is now the task.
The family meeting did not end in celebration. It ended in reflection. And sometimes, that is where the real work begins.
Both games are live on the
SuperSport AFCON pop-up channel – DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 59.
SuperSport is also running an Open Access period during AFCON.
Subscribers on DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli can watch AFCON matches without upgrading.
In fact, if you just reconnect, you’ll be given the next higher package.
