Nigeria’s Blunt Attack Exposed in AFCON Semifinal Loss to Morocco
Nigeria’s Super Eagles endured another painful Africa Cup of Nations semifinal exit, falling 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco after a tense goalless draw in Rabat.
The defeat not only extended Nigeria’s unwanted record of semifinal heartbreaks but also highlighted their attacking struggles, as they managed just two shots all night which is their lowest tally in an AFCON match since Opta began tracking the competition in 2010. Their last attempt came as early as the 51st minute.
It was Nigeria’s 11th extra-time appearance in the tournament’s history, a tally bettered only by Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Tunisia. Eight of their previous ten had ended in penalty shootouts, and once again the lottery from twelve yards proved decisive.
In front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero. After Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the opening penalties, Nigeria briefly looked in control when Stanley Nwabali denied Hamza Igamane. But Bounou swiftly restored parity, reading Samuel Chukwueze’s effort perfectly.
Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru held their nerve before captain Achraf Hakimi coolly put Morocco 3-2 ahead.
Bounou then delivered the defining moment, stretching out a strong hand to repel Bruno Onyemaechi’s attempt. With the stadium on edge, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and calmly dispatched the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations as Morocco reached their first AFCON final in 21 years.
For Nigeria, the night was another reminder of their struggles at the penultimate stage of the competition.
