Morocco Defeat Nigeria on Penalties to Reach 2025 AFCON Final

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have edged past Nigeria’s Super Eagles on penalties to book a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The highly charged semi-final clash, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tense 120-minute battle.
Nigeria and Morocco created chances but were unable to find the breakthrough, as disciplined defending, midfield battles, and impressive goalkeeping kept the scoreline at 0–0. The Super Eagles showed resilience and tactical discipline, while the hosts pressed hard, buoyed by the home crowd.
With no goals to separate the two teams, the encounter was decided by a penalty shootout, where Morocco held their nerve to emerge victorious and secure a spot in the AFCON final.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s quest for another continental title, while Morocco continue their impressive run in the tournament, moving one step closer to lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil.
Morocco will now await the winner of the other semi-final as they prepare for the final showdown, while Nigeria will turn their attention to the third-place playoff and reflections on a hard-fought campaign.