Super Eagles Fall in Shootout on Same Ground as World Cup Dream Ended, Exposing Semifinal Hurdle Once More
In a cruel twist of fate, Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw another trophy dream end in a penalty shootout on the very pitch where their 2022 FIFA World Cup hopes died last November. On Wednesday, the hosts Morocco edged them 4-2 on penalties after a grueling 120 minutes of goalless football, sending Nigeria to a painful defeat in the African Cup of Nations semifinal.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had given Nigeria a flicker of hope, saving an early spot-kick from Morocco’s Hamza Igmane. But misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi paved the way for Moroccan star Youssef En-Nesyri to seal the victory, sparking jubilation in Rabat and leaving the Super Eagles dejected.
This loss marks the eighth time in 17 AFCON attempts that Nigeria has stumbled at the semifinal stage—a statistic that now looms large over the team.
The match underscored the critical absence of captain Wilfred Ndidi, who was suspended after a needless time-wasting yellow card in the quarterfinal. His replacement, Raphael Onyedika, struggled under Morocco’s intense pressure. Unlike the disciplined Ndidi, Onyedika often held the ball too long, leading to turnovers that ceded midfield control and stifled Nigeria’s attack.
“It was a big miss for us,” admitted one team insider. “The structure wasn’t the same, and it took us too long to adjust.”
In a remarkable turnaround, Nigeria’s much-criticized defense delivered a heroic performance. Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and the back four stood firm against Morocco’s relentless attack, led by Brahim Díaz. Bassey, in particular, was immense, making crucial tackles and precise passes throughout.
“Our defenders were warriors tonight,” said head coach Eric Chelle. “They gave everything.”
Yet, that defensive solidity came at a cost. Nigeria’s record-breaking attack, so potent earlier in the tournament, was completely smothered. Star striker Victor Osimhen was isolated, and creative sparks like Ademola Lookman were denied time and space by Morocco’s relentless double-teaming and pressing.
The match was not without controversy. Nigerian players and fans were left furious by several decisions from Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea. A first-half yellow card shown to Calvin Bassey appeared especially harsh, with replays suggesting the Moroccan forward had grabbed Bassey’s shirt and simulated contact.
“The referee was appalling,” fumed defender Bright Osayi-Samuel after the match. “I’m not saying that’s why we lost, but he was making very, very wrong decisions.”
The backlash was swift online, with fans flooding the official’s social media pages with complaints until his Instagram account was reportedly taken down.
Despite the heartbreak, the Super Eagles’ tournament had bright spots: five straight wins, a record goal tally, and the emergence of a young, talented core. With only a few key players over 30, the foundation for the next AFCON cycles is strong.
However, the history books hold a warning. Nigeria now has eight bronze medals—double that of any other nation—but only three titles. With Egypt, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast converting semifinal appearances into championships more efficiently, the message is clear.
“We must start planning to win again, not just to reach the last four,” urged former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh. “With the next two tournaments coming quickly, the work begins now. For this generation, only lifting the trophy will be enough.”
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