Morocco defeat Nigeria on penalties to reach the AFCON final.

Nigeria vs Morocco — AFCON 2025 Semifinal: Full Summary

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced hosts Morocco in the second semifinal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with a place in the final on the line. Both nations came into the clash undefeated in the tournament, setting up a high-stakes match between two of Africa’s most exciting sides. 

Nigeria, the three-time African champions, had been in exceptional form throughout the competition. They won all five of their matches on the way to the semifinals, scoring freely and showing consistency on both ends of the pitch. Their run included victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in the group stages, a 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the Round of 16, and a 2–0 quarter-final win against Algeria. 

Morocco, meanwhile, had also impressed. The Atlas Lions topped their group with four wins and one draw and went on to beat Tanzania and Cameroon in the knockout rounds to reach the final four. Morocco were particularly strong defensively, keeping clean sheets and conceding very few chances throughout the tournament. Brahim Díaz, Morocco’s star forward, had been one of the competition’s standout players, scoring in every match up to the semifinal. 

From the opening whistle, the match was tight and tense, with both sides trying to assert control. Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support in Rabat, looked to use their attacking flair through Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, while Nigeria relied on the pace and skill of players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi to break down the Moroccan defence. 

In the first half, the game remained goalless. Nigeria’s first attempt on target came from Lookman in the early stages, but his shot was saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper. Morocco responded with their own chances, with Saibari and Ezzalzouli testing Nigeria’s defence, but neither side could find the breakthrough. 

The second half followed much the same pattern. Both teams created opportunities, but clear goal-scoring chances were limited. Nigeria’s Osimhen had a couple of moments in the box, but the defence held firm. Morocco’s pressure increased as the game wore on, and there were appeals for a penalty after a challenge inside the Nigerian area, but the referee allowed play to continue. 

With neither team able to score in regulation time, the match headed to extra time. Even in the additional 30 minutes, the deadlock could not be broken. Both sides made tactical substitutions, with Nigeria bringing on fresh attackers like Paul Onuachu in hopes of finding the decisive goal. Morocco also shuffled their forward line to try and create chances. Despite several efforts, including a header that hit the crossbar, no goal arrived. 

After 120 minutes of intense football, the score remained 0–0, forcing the semifinal into a penalty shootout to determine who would face Senegal in the final. Senegal had earlier sealed their spot by beating Egypt 1–0, thanks to a dramatic late goal, and awaited the winner of the Nigeria–Morocco clash. 

The penalty shootout was a tense and dramatic affair. Morocco eventually emerged victorious, winning 4–3 on penalties. Both teams converted some of their spot-kicks, but crucial saves and misses swung the momentum. Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze saw his attempt saved by Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou, and this proved decisive. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi scored what would be the winning penalty, sending the home crowd into raptures and booking Morocco’s place in the final. 

The result was historic for Morocco. The Atlas Lions had not reached the Africa Cup of Nations final in over two decades, and this victory marked a rare opportunity to claim their first continental title since 1976. The stadium in Rabat erupted in celebration as Moroccan players and fans savoured a memorable night. 

For Nigeria, the loss was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise impressive tournament. The Super Eagles had shown attacking verve and tactical strength throughout AFCON 2025, but their inability to score in this semifinal ultimately proved costly. Coach Eric Chelle and his squad will reflect on a strong campaign that ended just short of the final. 

As the tournament moves into its final stages, all eyes will be on Morocco vs Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final — a showdown that promises to be equally thrilling as these two sides vie for Africa’s most prestigious football honour.