Morocco booked their place in the AFCON 2025 final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, capping a semi-final contest in which the Atlas Lions dominated proceedings despite the match ending level before the shootout.
From the opening exchanges, Morocco asserted control with a balanced display of attacking intent and defensive solidity. The North Africans dictated the tempo, pressed aggressively in midfield, and consistently pushed Nigeria deep with quick ball circulation and intelligent movement across the front line.
Nigeria, on the other hand, found stability mainly at the back. The Super Eagles maintained a disciplined defensive shape, with their backline absorbing pressure and limiting Morocco’s clear-cut chances for large periods. However, while defensively organised, Nigeria struggled to translate solidity into attacking momentum, offering little impact in the final third.
Morocco’s dominance became more evident after the break as they sustained pressure, stretching Nigeria’s defence through wide play and sharp overlaps. Nigeria’s forwards were largely isolated, starved of service, and unable to impose their usual attacking threat as Morocco’s backline snuffed out transitions before they could develop.
Despite Morocco’s superiority in possession, territory, and chance creation, the Atlas Lions were unable to find the breakthrough within regulation time. Nigeria held firm defensively, forcing the contest into penalties, even as their attacking output remained limited throughout the encounter.
The shootout ultimately reflected Morocco’s authority on the night. Calm and composed from the spot, they converted four penalties, while Nigeria faltered with two misses, sealing a deserved 4-2 victory for the Atlas Lions.
For Nigeria, the defeat was a harsh reminder that defensive resilience alone is rarely enough at this level. Morocco, meanwhile, advance to the final with confidence, having delivered a complete performance built on tactical discipline, attacking ambition, and defensive control.
