Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations dream ended in the cruelest way in Rabat as the Super Eagles were beaten 4-2 on penalties by hosts Morocco after a tense, goalless 120 minutes, footynaija.com reports.
It was a contest shaped by caution and pressure. Morocco began with early intent, but Nigeria grew into the game, finding moments through Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, while Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey anchored a disciplined defensive effort.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the semifinal was pushed to extra time and then to a shootout.
There, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved decisive, saving two Nigerian kicks.
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Misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi ended Nigeria’s hopes, despite Nwabali producing a fine save of his own.
Afterwards, head coach Eric Chelle focused less on the lottery of penalties and more on performance.
“The match was never easy, but the players showed strong mentality and fought for every ball,” he said.
He explained Nigeria’s approach: “We pressed high because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated.”
But Chelle admitted his side fell short of their usual level. “Technically, we were not at the level of our previous matches. I won’t blame fatigue, but we lacked movement and power,” he said.
Nigeria will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff, while their wait for a fourth AFCON title goes on.
