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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has offered his insights into Nigeria’s disappointing defeat against Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of winning the AFCON were ended on Wednesday night in Rabat as the Super Eagles lost 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco after a tense goalless draw across 120 minutes.
The semi-final was settled by the lottery of a shootout, but the immediate reaction from Victor Osimhen focused as much on the officiating as on the result itself.
Speaking after the match to Canal+, the Galatasaray striker did not hide his frustration with how the game was handled by Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi.
“To be honest with you, today’s game was nothing to write home about in terms of officiating. It was that bad,” he said.
For Nigeria’s players, the sense of a missed opportunity was heavy. Osimhen admitted the defeat cut deeply, especially at a tournament where chances do not come often.
“I think me and my teammates we are all professionals but it is disappointing and it’s hurting,” he said. “Then we have to wait more years to try to qualify again for the AFCON and try to prove a point.”
Despite the anger and disappointment, the 27-year-old was keen to acknowledge both the opposition and his own side’s effort.
“A big congratulations to the Moroccans. I am proud of my team for the kind of fight we put up against a very good quality side. Also, playing in front of thousands of fans,” he added.
Osimhen described Morocco as one of the toughest opponents Nigeria faced in the competition and felt the Super Eagles showed their strength by taking the hosts all the way to penalties.
“For us to play them and get to penalties, it shows the kind of strength we have as a group and as an individual. But penalties is a game of luck and football as happened,” he said.
Nigeria will now face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
