Taiwo Idris

Nigeria’s crashes out of the ongoing 2025 AFCON after an agonizing penalty lose after a 0 0 score after 120 minutes.The game began with Morocco having a large chunk of the possession and hardly allow the Eagles of Nigeria get a sniff of the Vall. Morroco were quick and decisive with the passes leading to series of dangerous attacks. Semi Ajayi gave the ball away in the opening 5 minutes of the encounter but made a quick recovery to make a tackle before Morocco hit the target.

Calvin Bassey was equal to the task tho as he put his body on the line and making decisive blocks.

Morocco was unable to have real chances but the few which came their way didn’t pos threat. Nigeria on the other hand were not able to keep possession making it difficult for them to create chances.

It remained 0 0 after 120 minutes, resulting in penalty shoot-out as Morroco won 4 2.Yassine Bounou was the hero after he saves two penalty kicks and Youssef En- Nesyri scored the decisive penalty kick to send the Morocco to the final.

Morroco will however face Senegal in the final set to take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The match will feature Senegal and Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00PM

Senegal, is looking to cement their position as Africa’s top team, having reached the final in three of the last four tournaments. Morocco, on the other hand, will be looking to win their second AFCON title, they won their first in 1976.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match on January 18, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium, starting at 11:00 AM