Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was disappointed after Nigeria’s narrow penalty shootout defeat against hosts Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
Nigeria lost 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of intense, goalless play at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, thus ending their hopes of reaching the final.
The match lived up to its promise: a hard-fought, tactically astute affair. Fueled by their home fans, Morocco started energetically and put Nigeria under pressure from the outset. However, the Super Eagles gradually took control and created several chances through Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Clear scoring opportunities were scarce for both sides, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made several crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the game. Defensively, Calvin Bassey and his teammates withstood the Moroccan attacks, and a late penalty appeal by the hosts was overturned after a VAR review.
Extra time also failed to produce a winner, forcing the game to a penalty shootout. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou shone, saving two penalties from Nigeria, while misses by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi ultimately proved decisive. Despite a save by Nwabali, Morocco converted all four penalties, thus qualifying for the final against Senegal.
After the match, Chelle praised his players’ effort and mental fortitude despite the painful elimination.
“The game was never easy, but the players showed incredible mental strength and fought for every ball,” the coach said.
Chelle explained that Nigeria had opted for an aggressive pressing style to disrupt Morocco’s rhythm, but admitted that the team hadn’t reached its usual technical level.
“We pressed high because without pressing, gaps open up, and the situation becomes complicated,” he said. “Technically, we weren’t at the level of our previous matches. We lacked mobility and penetration.”
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s resilience throughout the match was praised, particularly their defensive organization and composure under constant pressure.
The Super Eagles are now focused on the bronze medal match against Egypt in Casablanca and aim to finish the tournament on a high note.
Nigeria won its last title at the 2013 African Nations Championship and wants to seize the opportunities presented to reclaim the continental title.
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