By Amah
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Nigeria’s quest for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came to a dramatic halt on Wednesday night as the Super Eagles were eliminated by Morocco in a tense semi-final showdown.
After a stalemate through 120 minutes of football, Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The match, held at a packed stadium brimming with expectation, saw both sides struggling to break the deadlock.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Samuel Chukwueze and other attacking stars, the Eagles were unable to convert their opportunities into goals. Morocco, organized and resolute, matched Nigeria’s intensity at every turn, leaving the contest goalless at the end of both regular and extra time.
When the tension of penalties arrived, the Eagles’ fortunes faltered. Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemachi failed to convert their spot-kicks while Morocco’s Atlas Lions executed theirs with clinical precision, sealing Nigeria’s elimination.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign in the semi-finals, but the team still has one final opportunity to end the tournament on a high note in the third-place playoff against Egypt.
Meanwhile, Morocco will meet Senegal in a highly anticipated final clash for the AFCON crown.
For Nigeria, the heartbreak is palpable, but the journey has also highlighted promising talents and moments of resilience that could serve as a foundation for future tournaments.
