Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw their Africa Cup of Nations dream end in heartbreak on Wednesday night after losing 4-2 on penalties to Morocco following a goalless semi-final that stretched into extra time.
After 120 minutes of intense but scoreless football, the contest was settled from the spot, where Morocco held their nerve to secure a place in the final.
The decisive moment came when Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the winning penalty, sending goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali the wrong way.
Earlier in the shootout, Nigeria had been dealt a heavy blow when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both saw their efforts saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, whose heroics proved decisive.
Nigeria’s successful kicks came through Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but they were not enough to overturn Morocco’s advantage.
Morocco, however, created the clearer chances and tested Nwabali repeatedly, the goalkeeper producing several crucial saves to keep the Eagles in contention.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s performance earned praise for discipline and determination, but once again, penalties proved cruel.
Morocco now march into the AFCON final, while the Super Eagles will now play Egypt in the third place match.
