Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign came to a heartbreaking end after the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless draw across 120 minutes of football, Footynaija.com reports.
What had been a tense and evenly contested semi-final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah ultimately turned into another painful night for Nigerian supporters, as the team fell short at the final hurdle to the showpiece.
Throughout the match, Nigeria matched Morocco in intensity, organisation and physical presence, with the midfield battle proving especially demanding. The penalty shootout then settled the tie, with Morocco converting four of their spot kicks while Nigeria managed only two.
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Emotions ran high in the mixed zone as players faced the media moments after the final whistle. Sevilla forward Akor Adams, one of Nigeria’s best performers earlier in the tournament, did not dress it up.
“Make una go interview the referee,” the 25-year-old told reporters when asked about the match and the exit.
Adams’ remark followed a broader narrative of dissatisfaction with the officiating performance of Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea, who had been appointed by CAF to take charge of the semi-final.
Some supporters argued the referee’s calls appeared to favour the home side in tight moments, especially in a match where tactical battles were fine margins at best.
Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel was also one of those that voiced displeasure about the incidents, describing the referee’s display as “appalling” in a separate interview, although he stopped short of attributing Nigeria’s elimination solely to officiating.
