By Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Morocco progressed to the final after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw after extra time, setting up a mouthwatering final clash with Senegal.
Both sides struggled to find rhythm in the opening exchanges, with clear chances at a premium. The hosts came close through Brahim Díaz, whose angled effort flashed narrowly wide, while Nigeria responded when Ademola Lookman forced a smart save from Yassine Bounou at the other end.
Morocco enjoyed a strong spell around the half-hour mark. Adam Masina failed to capitalise when the ball dropped kindly for him inside the six-yard box, while Díaz again missed the target with a speculative strike. Achraf Hakimi later tested the Nigerian defence with a 22-yard free-kick that landed on the roof of the net.
Stanley Nwabali was called into action shortly before the break, producing an excellent low save to deny Ismael Saibari’s powerful effort destined for the bottom corner. That proved to be the final meaningful chance of a tightly contested first half, with Nigeria reaching the interval goalless for only the second time in the tournament.
The Super Eagles started the second half with greater intent, as Raphael Onyedika’s effort drifted wide. Morocco quickly replied, with Abde Ezzalzouli forcing another save from Nwabali. However, as the match wore on, both teams became increasingly cautious, wary of conceding in such a high-stakes encounter.
Ezzalzouli had the final chance of regulation time, but his low drive from distance was comfortably saved, sending the match into extra time.
Morocco came closest during the additional period, when Nayef Aguerd met a deep corner and struck the outside of the post. Hamza Igamane was also involved, first bending a shot wide after a clever nutmeg, then firing straight at the goalkeeper. Nigeria, meanwhile, struggled to assert themselves, managing just two attempts in extra time.
With no breakthrough forthcoming, the match was decided by penalties. Nigeria initially gained the upper hand when Nwabali saved Igamane’s opening kick, but Samuel Chukwueze’s poorly taken effort was immediately kept out by Bounou.
After both teams converted their next attempts, Hakimi calmly scored before Bounou produced a decisive, unconventional save to deny Bruno Onyemaechi. That handed Youssef En-Nesyri the opportunity to seal victory, and the striker made no mistake, firing home to send the Atlas Lions into the final.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Rabat on Sunday, while Nigeria’s hopes of silverware were ended in heartbreaking fashion.
