The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has delivered thrilling football action, and the semifinal clash between Nigeria and Morocco was no exception. Hosted in Morocco, this high-stakes match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat drew massive attention from fans across the continent and beyond. With both teams showcasing top-tier talent, the game ended in a goalless draw after extra time, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout where Morocco emerged victorious 4-2.
If you’re searching for AFCON 2025 Nigeria vs Morocco live score, highlights, or match analysis, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the full breakdown of this epic encounter.
Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 Semifinal
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Nigeria, the Super Eagles, entered the semifinal unbeaten, having won all five of their previous matches in the tournament.
Led by stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, they aimed for their fourth AFCON title. On the other side, the host nation Morocco, the Atlas Lions, boasted an impressive record with four wins and one draw, featuring talents such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
The match kicked off at 9:00 PM WAT (Nigerian time), with tens of thousands in attendance and millions watching worldwide.
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The game was a tactical battle from the start, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. Nigeria’s defense, anchored by Calvin Bassey, held firm against Morocco’s relentless attacks, while Morocco’s backline frustrated Nigeria’s forwards. After 90 minutes of regular time, the score remained 0-0, forcing extra time.
Even in the additional 30 minutes, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to penalties.
Penalty Shootout Drama: How Morocco Secured Victory
The penalty shootout was where the real drama unfolded. Morocco started strong, converting their first penalty, while Nigeria responded in kind. However, misses from Nigeria’s players proved costly. Morocco’s sequence went ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅, but they ultimately clinched a 4-2 win. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive penalty, sending the home crowd into ecstasy and booking Morocco’s spot in the final against Senegal.
This result marks Morocco’s advancement to their first AFCON final since 1976, a historic moment for the hosts. For Nigeria, it’s a heartbreaking exit, but their performance throughout the tournament has been commendable.
Key Moments and Highlights from Nigeria vs Morocco
Early Pressure: Morocco dominated possession in the first half, with Hakimi’s shot blocked by Bassey inside the box, leading to a huge penalty appeal that was waved away.
Nigeria’s Chances: Osimhen came close with a header in the 52nd minute of extra time, but Morocco’s goalkeeper made a crucial save.
Defensive Masterclass: Both teams showcased solid defending, resulting in a clean sheet through 120 minutes.
Extra Time Tension:A near-goal for Morocco in extra time was thwarted by Nigeria’s resilient backline.
For those looking for AFCON 2025 highlights of Nigeria vs Morocco, check out platforms like beIN Sports or YouTube for full replays.
Player Performances and Ratings
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): The Napoli striker was a constant threat but couldn’t find the net. Rating: 8/10.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): PSG’s full-back was instrumental in defense and attack. Rating: 9/10.
Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco): Controlled the midfield with poise. Rating: 8.5/10.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Created opportunities but lacked the final touch. Rating: 7.5/10.
Morocco’s overall team cohesion gave them the edge in the shootout.
What’s Next for AFCON 2025?
With this win, Morocco will face Senegal in the final on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
This semifinal has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to AFCON 2025. Fans searching for AFCON live streams, results, or predictions should stay tuned for more updates.
Why This Match Matters for African Football
The Nigeria vs Morocco rivalry adds to the rich history of AFCON, with previous encounters always producing winners.
This game highlighted the growing quality of African football, with players from top European clubs shining on the continental stage.
If you enjoyed this AFCON 2025 Nigeria vs Morocco blog post, share it with fellow fans and comment below: Who do you think will win the final – Morocco or Senegal?
