Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (2-4 pen): Super Eagles Extend Unwanted AFCON Semifinal Record

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have extended their unwanted record in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, suffering yet another heartbreak after a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco.

The match ended goalless after regulation and extra time, before the North Africans prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.

Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their spot-kicks, while Morocco converted four of their five attempts to seal passage to the final.

The defeat means Nigeria have now lost eight times at the semifinal stage of the competition, more than any other team.

Their record in AFCON semifinals stands at 16 played, eight won and eight lost, with the 1976 edition decided over two group stages. Of those eliminations, six came in open play and two via penalties.

The Eagles, who have historically thrived in shootouts at the tournament, failed to capitalize on that pedigree this time around. Instead, they must now regroup for the third-place playoff against Egypt, who were beaten 1-0 by Senegal courtesy of a late strike from Sadio Mané.