Morocco Knock Out Super Eagles on Penalties to Reach AFCON 2025 Final

Morocco Knock Out Super Eagles on Penalties to Reach AFCON 2025 Final
Super Eagles miss two penalties despite strong defensive display
Atlas Lions advance to AFCON 2025 final after tense encounter

Morocco have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Nigeria 4 to 2 on penalties following a tense 0 to 0 draw after extra time.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the semi final encounter, officiated by Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, was tightly contested, with both teams displaying strong defensive organisation and tactical discipline throughout the 120 minutes.

Nigeria, led in attack by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, enjoyed periods of possession but struggled to break down a compact Moroccan defence. The Super Eagles failed to convert their chances, despite moments of pressure in the final third.

Morocco appeared the more threatening side in open play, with captain Achraf Hakimi leading by example. Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made several crucial saves, denying Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Moroccan goalkeeper Bono remained alert to stop Lookman’s first half effort.

The pattern remained unchanged in extra time, as both teams introduced substitutions to maintain intensity. Osimhen was replaced late on by Paul Onuachu, but clear chances remained limited as fatigue took its toll on both sides.

The match was eventually decided by penalties. Morocco converted all four of their kicks through Nabil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En Nesyri. Nigeria responded through Onuachu and Fisayo Dele Bashiru, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly.

Hakimi’s composed finish and En Nesyri’s decisive strike sealed victory for the Atlas Lions, ending Nigeria’s AFCON campaign at the semi final stage after a night defined by fine margins.