Nigeria AFCON semi-final ends in 4–2 penalty defeat to Morocco; Super Eagles now prepare to face Egypt in third-place playoff

Nigeria’s Super Eagles exited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the semi-final stage after a 4–2 penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

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Senegal earlier booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 1–0 win over Egypt in Tangier.

Morocco will face Senegal in the final on Sunday, while Nigeria meet Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.

Despite arriving as one of the tournament’s most prolific sides, Nigeria were largely restricted by Morocco’s disciplined approach.

The Super Eagles created few clear-cut chances, and although goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved one penalty in the shootout, misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.

Senegal’s earlier victory over Egypt ended the defending champions’ hopes of a second AFCON title, with Sadio Mané opening the scoring before a late goal secured the win.

For Nigeria, the third-place match against Egypt offers a chance to recover from the heartbreak of a semi-final exit.

The Super Eagles’ campaign had been marked by strong defensive displays and emphatic victories, demonstrating a renewed tactical identity under coach Éric Sékou Chelle.

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Both remaining fixtures will be available on the SuperSport AFCON dedicated channel (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202), with Open Access streaming offered to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers.