Morocco secured a place in the final of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Nigeria on penalties following a tense semifinal that ended goalless after extra time.
The highly charged encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium failed to produce a winner over 120 minutes, despite chances at both ends and long spells of pressure from the Super Eagles.
Nigeria matched the hosts for much of the contest but could not find a decisive breakthrough, with the game eventually heading into a penalty shootout. Morocco kept their composure from the spot, while Nigeria faltered, missing two penalty kicks to hand the Atlas Lions victory.
The News Chronicle covering the match live observed that the match was played amid widespread complaints from Nigerian supporters over perceived referee favoritism, but the Super Eagles were unable to rise above the situation and turn their chances into goals when it mattered most.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final after the defending champions defeated Egypt earlier in the day. For Nigeria, the defeat brings a painful end to their title hopes despite a spirited campaign.
