Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dream ended in the semi-final after losing 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless draw.
The Super Eagles came into the game as the team to beat following their phenomenal run to the last four, but struggled to breach Morocco’s defence.
Neither side scored after 120 minutes of end-to-end football. Morocco ultimately came out on top in the shoot-out to reach their first AFCON final in 22 years.
The opening half of the game reflected the pressure on both sides. They lacked the cutting edge to make a difference in the final third and struggled to create decent chances.
Morocco talisman Brahim Diaz came close to breaking the deadlock early on, but his effort flashed wide across the goal.
Ademola Lookman responded at the other end, but Yassine Bounou was up to the task. Morocco were camped in Nigeria’s half around the half-hour mark as they piled the pressure.
They could only muster a few half-chances as Adam Masina failed to make the most of a loose ball in the six-yard box, while Diaz once again pulled his effort off target.
Achraf Hakimi nearly lit up the stadium with a long-range free-kick that landed on the roof of the net.
Minutes later, Stanley Nwabali produced a fine save to deny Ismael Saibari, making sure that the Super Eagles went into the break level.
Both sides looked to ramp things up in the second half. Raphael Onyedika dragged a shot wide for Nigeria before Abde Ezzalzouli forced another smart save from Nwabali.
However, both sides became increasingly cautious towards the end of the game. Neither side wanted to make the mistake that could end their tournament.
Ezzalzouli tested Nwabali one more time before the match drifted into extra time.
Morocco looked the more likely to score, with Nigeria failing to create any worthwhile chances going forward as they struggled to find their rhythm.
A long-range effort from Neil El Aynaoui directed straight at Nwabali was the closest Morocco came to scoring as the match went into penalties.
Nigeria had the upper hand early on when Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s spot-kick, but Samuel Chukwueze couldn’t capitalise as Bounou comfortably held his tame effort.
Bruno Onyemaechi also failed to beat Bounou from 12 yards before Youssef En-Nesyri rifled Morocco into the final.
The Atlas Lions will face Senegal in the showpiece event, while Nigeria will battle Egypt for third place.
