The Super Eagles were unable to make it into back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations finals after losing 4-2 on penalties to 2025 hosts Morocco, following a goalless 120 minutes in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat, Afrosport reports.
Nigeria came into this game off the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Algeria in the quarter-finals while the Atlas Lions defeated five-time champions Cameroon by the same scoreline.
Walid Regragui’s men looked the more threatening in the first half but had only one shot on target, likewise their opponents.
The North African giants upped the ante in the second half with two more shots on target and Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali being alert to make some smart saves.
With nothing able to separate the two sides after 90 minutes, extra time followed and it was Morocco who again came closest with two shots on target.
The game went to penalties with Lille foward Hamza Igamane having his effort saved by Nwabali. However, Samuel Chukueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed for Nigeria, which allowed Youssef En-Nesyri Morocco’s fifth and final kick.
It sent them to their first AFCON final in 22 years where they will face Senegal for a chance to lift the title after 50 years of waiting.
HOSTS. HISTORY. FINALISTS. 🇲🇦
The Atlas Lions are into
the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 final. pic.twitter.com/mkQRuAoknw— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026
Meanwhile, Eric Chellle’s men will battle it out with record-AFCON champions Egypt for the bronze medal.
