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Nigeria’s dream of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) may have ended dramatically and painfully. But the Super Eagles have another shot at bowing out gallantly out of the competition in the third-place match against Egypt.

The three-time African champions lost 2-4 on penalties to Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 AFCON after a gruelling 120 minutes of football in Rabat ended goalless on Wednesday night.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, the Super Eagles, who fired two goals past Algeria in the quarter-final, failed to score for the first time in the tournament. An extra 30 minutes did not produce a goal, leading to penalties.

Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performed heroics by saving twice in the shoot-out, sparking wild celebrations among the over 65,000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

While the 1976 winners battle Senegal in the final on Sunday, Nigeria take on the Pharaohs of Egypt for a chance to finish on the podium, one step short of their runners-up placing at the 2023 AFCON.

The match is a reenactment of their friendly game ahead of the tournament. Egypt, seven-time African champions, defeated Nigeria 2-1 in that match.

In spite of Wednesday’s loss, Nigerian coach Eric Chelle praised his team for showing a “strong mental response” and fighting for every ball. The Malian gaffer, though admitting that the loss was “very painful,” is looking at what lies ahead for the Super Eagles.

“It’s difficult because we worked hard throughout the entire tournament, but that’s football. We must continue working,” he said after the match.

“We played this match with high pressing, because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated.”

READ ALSO: Morocco Beat Gallant Super Eagles On Penalties To Reach AFCON Final

Despite the defeat to the Atlas Lions, the Federal Government has hailed the Super Eagles for their outing in Morocco.

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris described Nigeria’s outing at the AFCON as one that showcased unity, resilience and discipline.

“Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork, and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent,” Idris said in a statement on Thursday.

“You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity, and never giving up. Hold your heads high. Learn from this experience, stay united, and return stronger.

“Nigeria remains proud of you and grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition. Well done, Super Eagles.”

Defending champions, Nigeria, have been drawn against Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). 

The Super Falcons, record `10 times winners, will play the Group C games at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Nigeria’s match against the Copper Queens will be a reenactment of their quarter-final outing in the 2024 edition of the tournament. The Super Falcons thrashed the Zambians 5-0 in that game.

Morocco, runners-up in the last two editions of the WAFCON, are in Group A against Algeria, Kenya, and Senegal. Games in that lot will be played at the Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

READ ALSO: ‘Be Proud,’ Nigerian Fans React To Super Eagles Agonising Loss To Morocco

16 teams. One stage.

The road to #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 begins. Check the pots. pic.twitter.com/5TtmOdWuRY

Meanwhile, former champions South Africa were drawn with Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania in Group B.

The Banyana Banyana are expected to make the knockouts and relaunch their bid to reclaim the title they won in 2022. All Group B matches are at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Giants Ghana and Cameroon will feature in Group D alongside Mali and Cape Verde at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

The 2026 WAFCON runs from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

This year’s edition, which was originally scheduled for last year, will serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The top four teams will represent Africa in the competition billed for Brazil.

WAFCON 2026 FULL DRAW/GROUPS

Below is a breakdown of the groups, teams, and host cities for the 2026 WAFCON: 

Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium)

Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania (Rabat Al Madina Stadium)

Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi (Casablanca)

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) run ended in heartbreak on Wednesday night as the Super Eagles fell to hosts Morocco in a tense penalty shootout, sparking a firestorm of “good, bad, and ugly” reactions across social media.

After a goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions triumphed 4-2 on penalties to secure their place in Sunday’s final against Senegal. For Nigeria, it was a familiar stumbling block; despite a campaign that promised much, they were unable to clear the final hurdle to reach the final.

“Chukwueze should retire”

The reaction in the social media space was instantaneous and passionate.

There was pride in the fight as many fans chose to focus on the team’s overall progress under Eric Chelle, praising the grit shown in a hostile environment.

@beedey4u: “What a journey it was, Super Eagles. Hold your heads high and be proud of the performance you gave out there. Truly proud.”

Questioning the leadership of the team, critics pointed fingers at the senior players for failing to step up during the shootout, with some questioning the absence of Victor Osimhen from the initial list of penalty takers.

@EmceeCeeKay: “Shame on Osimhen, Moses Simon, Lookman and Iwobi for shying away from penalties when it mattered most.”

However, the most vitriolic comments were reserved for Samuel Chukwueze. Following his lacklustre penalty, the phrase “Chukwueze should retire” began trending as fans vented their frustration at the Fulham winger’s perceived lack of consistency.

@harrysone9: “AFCON: ‘Chukwueze should retire’ – Nigerians react as Morocco beat Super Eagles. With all your experience, what kind of soft shot is that? Absolute nonsense!”

One of the hardest matches we have had – Coaches’ Corner

Morocco coach Walid Regragui was full of praise for the resilience shown by the Nigerian side after the final whistle.

“It was one of the hardest matches we have had against a very solid and talented team,” Regragui said. “I am very happy for the players and for the Moroccan people who really deserve this. It is a great gift for them to be in the final, but we will need to recover quickly because we put a lot of energy into this game.”

For Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the atmosphere in Rabat, where the game was played.

“The players fought for every ball, and it is difficult to lose on penalties, but this is football, and we have to accept it,” Chelle said. “It is difficult to play here in Morocco because you have to play against the team and against the crowd.”

Morocco will return to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday to face Senegal, who are looking to reclaim the title they last won in 2021.

Hosts Morocco will play Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both emerged victorious in tense last-four ties on Wednesday as Mohamed Salah’s dreams of winning the title were again dashed.

Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after their semi-final showdown of few chances in capital Rabat finished 0-0 at the end of extra time, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performing heroics by saving twice in the shoot-out.

Bounou, of Saudi side Al-Hilal, saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among over 65,000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

READ ALSO: Morocco Beat Gallant Super Eagles On Penalties To Reach AFCON Final

As well as joy, there was relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick — Morocco’s second in the shoot-out — was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

He was the only Moroccan player to fail to score in the shoot-out, however, with captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi among those who converted their penalties.

“It was one of the hardest matches we have had against a very solid and talented team,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who played in the last Atlas Lions team to reach the AFCON final when they lost to Tunisia in 2004.

“I am very happy for the players and for the Moroccan people who really deserve this.

“It is a great gift for them to be in the final but we will need to recover quickly because we put a lot of energy into the game.”

The shoot-out came after a cagey encounter, with almost all the chances of note coming in the first half and Nigeria mustering just two shots in the entire game.

Morocco have been under enormous pressure to deliver a first AFCON title for their country in half a century and just their second overall.

However, as their dream remains alive it is an agonising way for Nigeria’s hopes to end, two years after they lost the final to the hosts in Ivory Coast.

Led by two recent winners of the African player of the year prize in Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria had been arguably the best team at the tournament up to the semi-finals and the top scorers with 14 goals in their first five matches.

“The players fought for every ball and it is difficult to lose on penalties, but this is football and we have to accept it,” said Nigeria coach Eric Chelle.

He added: “I am proud of my players but I am disappointed for them because the reality is we were maybe the best team that there has been in this AFCON.”

Mane ends Salah’s dream

Earlier, Mane scored a 78th-minute winner to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over Egypt in Tangiers, then said he was playing in the tournament for the last time.

“I’m very happy to be able to play in my very last AFCON. I hope to win it (the final) and bring (the trophy) back to Dakar,” the 33-year-old said.

Senegal, champions in 2022, dominated possession against cautious Egypt as the Cup of Nations title continues to elude Liverpool superstar Salah.

This was Salah’s fifth AFCON and the closest he has come to a winners’ medal is finishing a runner-up twice.

It will be Senegal’s fourth Cup of Nations final appearance overall and their third in the last four editions.

“I think we managed the game well from start to finish and, overall, we deserved to win. We’ll try to be ready for the final, above all to give our best,” said Mane.

“The most important thing for me is that Senegal wins every time… I am a soldier of the nation. I try to give my all every day, whether in training or in matches.

“The Africa Cup of Nations is the most difficult competition in the world. All the teams are evenly matched.”

Referring to his former Liverpool teammate Salah, Mane said the Egyptian is “one of the best players in the world”.

Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000, even after the team fell short of winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

The billionaire industrialist made the announcement on Thursday through a post on his official Instagram account, where he commended the national team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.

Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.

READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria Remains Proud Of You’, FG Tells Super Eagles After AFCON Semi-Final Exit

“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.

“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.

“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories! the statement read.

Nigeria bowed out of the 2025 AFCON on Wednesday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.

The Federal Government has praised the Super Eagles for their fighting spirit and commendable showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, despite their narrow loss that ended Nigeria’s campaign.

Nigeria bowed out of the 2025 AFCON on Wednesday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Super Eagles’ performance reflected discipline, unity and resilience, values he noted resonate strongly with the Nigerian spirit.

READ ALSO: Morocco Beat Gallant Super Eagles On Penalties To Reach AFCON Final

He added that the team’s determination throughout the tournament remained a source of pride for the country, regardless of the outcome.

“Even in defeat, you showed character, teamwork, and resilience, and those qualities matter deeply to the nation you represent.

“Football has its highs and lows, but your effort, commitment, and fighting spirit throughout this tournament have earned the respect and gratitude of Nigerians at home and abroad.

“You reminded us that wearing the green and white is about courage, unity, and never giving up. Hold your heads high. Learn from this experience, stay united, and return stronger.

“Nigeria remains proud of you and grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition. Well done, Super Eagles.
The nation stands with you, always,” the statement read in part.

Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and brilliantly from Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.