Penalty heartbreak for Fulham’s Nigeria trio at Afcon | OneFootball

Nigeria’s Afcon run ended with a 4-2 shootout loss to hosts Morocco after 120 goalless minutes, leaving Fulham’s Nigerian trio heartbroken.

Hounslow Herald notes the result capped a bruising few months for the Super Eagles. Brought on in the 120th minute to take a kick, Samuel Chukwueze saw his effort saved by Yassine Bounou. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decider to send Morocco to a first final since 2004, chasing a first title in 50 years.

Nigeria, who also missed out on the 2026 World Cup, face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place match after Egypt lost 1-0 to Senegal. Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will return to London afterwards.

Chukwueze carried heavy pressure after Éric Chelle introduced him solely for the shootout in the final moments. He was in sparkling Fulham form before the tournament, with five goal contributions in as many games on the left. Across six matches in Morocco he played only 153 minutes, so his legs will be fresh.

Bassey impressed in the semi-final, making 11 clearances and 11 passes into the final third in a composed display that limited Morocco. A standout of the tournament, he was central to Nigeria reaching the last four.

Jorge Cuenca has deputised superbly in Bassey’s absence, leaving Marco Silva with a selection call when both are available. Iwobi has also shone despite a quiet night in Rabat, used as a No. 8 with Brentford’s Frank Onyeka behind him. Before the semi-final he had 46 defence-splitting passes, more than double any other player, including 22 in the quarter-final.

Fulham remain light in midfield after failing to strengthen in the summer, a frustration for Silva that made Iwobi’s absence most keenly felt. Even so, they are unbeaten in five since the trio departed, with three wins and two draws. Their return will bolster a stretched squad as the Cottagers climb the table.

Source: Hounslow Herald