Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to a dramatic end on Thursday night as host nation Morocco edged the Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties to secure a place in the tournament final.
The tightly contested semi-final finished goalless after regulation time and extra time, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes of intense football. Nigeria’s defence remained resolute in the face of sustained Moroccan pressure, while chances were scarce at both ends.
With neither team able to find a breakthrough, the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Morocco proved more composed from the spot, converting four of their kicks, while Nigeria managed just two.
The victory sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters as Morocco sealed their place in the final on home soil.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s AFCON final, while Nigeria bow out at the semi-final stage after a spirited and commendable run in the tournament.
