by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained the factors behind Nigeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations following their semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on Wednesday night.
Nigeria were eliminated after a dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout defeat, with the encounter ending goalless after 120 minutes of action.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Chelle admitted his side failed to reach the technical and physical standards they had shown earlier in the tournament, particularly against a disciplined Moroccan team.
“We played this match with high pressing, because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated,” Chelle said.
“From a technical point of view, the Super Eagles weren’t at the same level as we displayed in our other matches. I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”
The Super Eagles struggled to impose themselves in attack despite entering the semi-final as one of the tournament’s most prolific sides, and ultimately paid the price in the penalty shootout.
Nigeria will now shift focus to the third-place playoff, while Morocco advance to the AFCON final where they will face defending champions Senegal.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has praised the Super Eagles for their resilience and quality following the Atlas Lions’ dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in Wednesday’s AFCON semi-final.
The encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium ended goalless after 120 minutes, with Bounou emerging as the standout performer. The 34-year-old shot-stopper was named Man of the Match after saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to send the hosts into the final.
Speaking after the match, the Al-Hilal goalkeeper described the contest as a demanding battle and applauded Nigeria’s display.
“The atmosphere during the match was wonderful,” Bounou said. “I thank all the fans who supported us. The players did what was required in a match that wasn’t easy at all, and the opponent delivered a very strong performance.”
Bounou also reserved special praise for Morocco head coach Walid Regragui and his teammates for their preparation and composure on the night.
“I would like to thank the coach, Walid Regragui, who prepared us very well for this semi-final match, and I also thank all my teammates,” he added.
With the victory, Morocco remain on course for a first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976 and will now turn their attention to Senegal, whom they face in Sunday’s final.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Morocco moved to the brink of continental history after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat, securing a place in Sunday’s final against Senegal.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero for the hosts, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout, while Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive penalty to spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Atlas Lions, chasing their first AFCON title since 1976, will now face defending champions Senegal, who edged Egypt 1–0 in the first semi-final thanks to a decisive strike from Sadio Mané. Nigeria, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff against Egypt.
The semi-final itself was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances over 120 minutes. Morocco looked the more purposeful side and created the better openings, but were repeatedly denied by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Super Eagles in the contest.
Despite arriving with the tournament’s best attacking record, Nigeria struggled to impose themselves and offered little threat going forward. Their lack of ambition was ultimately punished in the shootout, where Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both saw their penalties saved by Bounou.
Morocco, efficient and disciplined throughout the competition, came close to breaking the deadlock in normal time. Ayoub El Kaabi hesitated over a close-range chance from an Achraf Hakimi corner, while Ismael Saibari and Nayef Aguerd also went close, Aguerd’s header striking the outside of the post.
Nigeria’s best opportunity fell to talisman Victor Osimhen, but a poor touch in the box squandered a rare opening. Head coach Eric Chelle’s late decision to substitute Osimhen moments before the shootout proved costly, as one of his replacements, Chukwueze, failed from the spot.
With penalties looming inevitable long before extra time ended, Bounou’s composure and En-Nesyri’s winning kick sealed Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance since their 2004 defeat to Tunisia — and kept alive dreams of ending a 50-year wait for continental glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 14, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has insisted Nigeria are not concerned about the home advantage Morocco will enjoy when both sides clash in the AFCON 2025 semi-final on Wednesday.
Hosts Morocco welcome Nigeria to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for the second semi-final, with the Atlas Lions having benefited from huge home support throughout the tournament. Morocco have won four of their five matches so far, driven by passionate backing from the stands.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have taken a different path, playing across multiple venues, including Fes and Marrakech, as they prepare for their third stadium of the competition.
Despite the intimidating atmosphere expected in Rabat, Awaziem says the Super Eagles remain fully focused on their own performance rather than the crowd.
“We saw the Moroccan fans supporting us against Algeria, and I know some will still be supporting us,” Awaziem said after Nigeria’s final training session on Tuesday.
“We don’t care about the support, we don’t care about the crowd. We just want to focus on ourselves, not get distracted, and try to get the job done.”
Nigeria’s most recent encounter with tournament hosts came in the AFCON 2023 final against Côte d’Ivoire, where they suffered a 2–1 defeat. However, the Super Eagles had earlier beaten the Ivorians 1–0 in the group stage, a reminder of their ability to thrive even under intense home pressure.
As the Super Eagles target a place in the AFCON final, Awaziem’s comments underline a calm and confident mindset heading into one of the toughest tests of the tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 14, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria have received a major fitness boost ahead of their AFCON 2025 semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco, with Bright Osayi-Samuel confirming he is fit and available despite concerns following his substitution in the quarter-finals.
The Fenerbahçe defender has been almost ever-present for the Super Eagles at this year’s tournament, missing only the dead-rubber group-stage victory over Uganda. His early withdrawal had sparked fears of injury, but Osayi-Samuel quickly put those worries to rest.
“No, I had cramps,” he told reporters. “My toes were cold and I couldn’t move them, but I’ll be fine — absolutely fine.”
While Osayi-Samuel’s availability is a
welcome relief for head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria will be forced to cope without their captain Wilfred Ndidi. The Leicester City midfielder is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the knockout rounds during the 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria.
Ndidi was booked for time-wasting shortly before being substituted due to a knock, which would likely have ruled him out against Morocco regardless.
Chelle is expected to turn to Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as Ndidi’s replacement, while Victor Osimhen is tipped to wear the captain’s armband as he spearheads the attack alongside Akor Adams.
Predicted Nigeria XI
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Injured: Dessers
Doubts: Alebiosu
Suspended: Ndidi
Match Details:
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Kick-off: 8:00pm GMT
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
TV: E4
With a place in the AFCON final at stake, Nigeria will be hoping Osayi-Samuel’s fitness and Osimhen’s leadership can inspire another big performance against the host nation.
