Who Nigeria will face after Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat as next opponents revealed | OneFootball

Second penalty shootout loss for Nigeria in two months

Nigeria will not take part in back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations finals after losing their semi-final showdown against Morocco on Wednesday.

The Super Eagles, who last won AFCON in 2013, reached the final of the 2023 edition of the tournament but were beaten by host nation Ivory Coast.

Once again, Nigeria’s bid to be crowned champions of Africa haven been ended by a host nation - this time against Morocco after a heartbreaking loss on penalties.

Nigeria briefly had the advantage early on in the shootout when Hamza Igamane’s spot-kick was saved by Stanley Nwabali.

Samuel Chukwueze - brought on late in extra-time specifically for penalties - had a tepid effort saved by Yassine Bounou before the Al-Hilal goalkeeper kept out Bruno Onyemaechi’s effort to give Morocco match point.

Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to convert his penalty, thus sending the hosts into Sunday’s final where they will play Senegal.

Samuel Chukwueze missed the chance to put Nigeria ahead in the penalty shootout

AFP via Getty Images

For Nigeria, it’s a second penalty shootout loss in a couple of months after seeing their hopes of qualifying for this summer’s World Cup ended by DR Congo back in November.

Furthermore, defeat for the Super Eagles means their dream of winning a fourth AFCON title is over until the next tournament. However, their time in Morocco is not quite over just yet.

Eric Chelle’s side will have an immediate chance to bow out on a high as they will face Egypt in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

Nigeria have finished third at AFCON eight times - more than any other nation - most recently in 2019 when they overcame Tunisia in Cairo thanks to Odion Ighalo’s third minute goal.

Egypt, meanwhile, last competed in the third-place play-off back in 1984, losing to Algeria.