Bruno, Chukwueze miss as Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach final

Host nation Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties in a tense semifinal encounter that was settled from the spot.

After a fiercely contested contest failed to produce a winner in regulation time and extra time, the tie moved to a dramatic penalty shootout where the Atlas Lions held their nerve to outlast the Super Eagles.

Morocco converted four of their spot-kicks, while Nigeria faltered, missing two crucial efforts.

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Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi were the unfortunate culprits for Nigeria, both seeing their penalties fail to hit the target, handing Morocco a decisive advantage in the shootout.

The misses proved costly, as the hosts calmly dispatched their kicks to seal a 4–2 victory.

The semifinal had been an absorbing tactical battle, with both teams showing why they had been among the standout performers of the tournament.

Nigeria, who arrived at the last four with a perfect record, were solid defensively and carried a threat on the counterattack, while Morocco enjoyed spells of possession backed by the vocal home support.

Despite several half-chances at both ends and intense midfield battles, neither side could find the breakthrough, forcing the contest beyond normal time and eventually to penalties.

The shootout victory sparked wild celebrations among Moroccan players and fans, as the Atlas Lions moved one step closer to continental glory on home soil.

For Nigeria, the defeat was a heartbreaking end to an impressive AFCON 2025 campaign, with the Super Eagles falling just short of the final.

Morocco will now turn their attention to the final where they will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal as they aim to cap a memorable tournament with the ultimate prize, while Nigeria will regroup ahead of the third-place playoff against the Pharoahs of Egypt