Claude Le Roy, the legendary coach who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, has revealed how Nigeria indirectly helped Senegal claim the 2025 AFCON title by tiring out Morocco in the semifinals.

Le Roy described Morocco as the best team of the tournament overall but said Senegal were superior in the final because the Atlas Lions were exhausted after a grueling semifinal clash against the Super Eagles that lasted over two hours and ended in a penalty shootout. Nigeria ultimately lost 4-2, with Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi having their spot-kicks saved.

The extended semifinal exerted a significant toll on Morocco, Le Roy explained, leaving them slower and less focused in the final against Senegal.

Nigeria, despite missing out on the final, were arguably the tournament’s most consistent team, winning all five of their matches and scoring the most goals, a total of 14. Stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen were involved in 13 of those goals.

Le Roy highlighted Nigeria’s defensive discipline, which stifled Morocco during the semifinal, although the Super Eagles struggled to create many chances in attack.

When asked about the standout teams of AFCON 2025, Le Roy told Canal+, “The best team of this AFCON overall was Morocco, and the best team in the final was Senegal.

The win for Senegal shows that they delivered when it mattered most. Morocco tried hard against Nigeria, but that semifinal match affected them in the final.”

In the third-place playoff, Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali playing a pivotal role by saving key efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.