US EditionNigeria/Morocco: Rabat Heartbreak - Five Takeaways From Nigeria's Afcon 2025 Loss to Morocco
Morocco advanced to the AFCON 2025 final after a 0-0 draw against Nigeria, winning on penalties at their home stadium in Rabat.
- In Rabat, Morocco national team secured a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final via a penalty shootout over Nigeria national team at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat after a goalless game.
- Both managers set up cautiously, with Walid Regragui, Morocco manager, and Eric Chelle, Nigeria manager, prioritising avoiding defeat in a tense, low-opportunity tactical contest.
- In the shootout, Bono , Morocco goalkeeper, saved Nigeria left-back Bruno Onyemaechi's penalty before Youssef En-Nesyri converted, while Stanley Nwabali denied Hamza Igamane and Samuel Chukwueze.
- Ademola Lookman's struggles left Victor Osimhen isolated after taking the armband from suspended Wilfred Ndidi, while Eric Chelle substituted the Galatasaray striker late with one eye on the shootout.
- On the flanks, Morocco's wide players Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli posed main threats, with Ezzalzouli bypassing Nigeria right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, but neither side scored in regular play.
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34 Articles
At the end of the night, the Moroccans came to the end of the Nigerians, Wednesday 14 January 2026, in a semifinal of CAN 2025 stressful. The Lions of the Atlas, carried by Yassine Bounou, triumphed at the goal (0-0, 4 TAB to 2) in a crazy atmosphere. Euphoria won Morocco, but the return to work and concentration is as fast. Because on Sunday, it will be necessary to challenge Senegal in the final.
Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach AFCON Final
Morocco booked their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Nigeria on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw in Rabat. In a semi-final dominated by intensity rather than goals, the host nation eventually prevailed thanks to goalkeeper Yassine Bono’s heroics in the shootout.
Bright Osayi-Samuel targeted the arbitration of Daniel Laryea after the reverse of the Super Eagles Wednesday night. For the Nigerian law side, the official in charge of the party made "very bad decisions".
Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties in Rabat on Wednesday evening, following a 0-0 draw. Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in Tangier in the other semi-final. The final will be played on Sunday.
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Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
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