Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time since 2004 by defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw in the semi-final. The hosts, playing in Rabat, held their nerve to set up a title clash with Senegal. Nigeria will now contest third place against Egypt.
The semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria at the Stade Ibn Battouta in Rabat ended goalless after extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout on January 14, 2026. Morocco, seeking their second AFCON title since 1976, emerged victorious with a 4-2 win, thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri's decisive spot-kick.
Morocco dominated much of the match but struggled to create clear chances in an uninspiring contest. Early threats included Brahim Diaz bending a shot narrowly wide and Ademola Lookman forcing a save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Calvin Bassey received a yellow card for fouling Diaz, ruling him out of a potential final, while Achraf Hakimi's free-kick sailed over the bar.
Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali was the busier keeper, denying Abde Ezzalzouli twice around halftime. Victor Osimhen was substituted just before penalties, a surprising move by the Super Eagles. In the shootout, Morocco's Hamza Igamane missed, but Nigeria's Samuel Chukwueze followed suit. Bounou then saved Bruno's effort, allowing En-Nesyri to seal the win by finding the bottom-left corner.
Pre-match, Nigeria missed captain Wilfred Ndidi due to suspension and Cyriel Dessers through injury, lining up with Nwabali in goal and Osimhen up front. Morocco, without Azzedine Ounahi (calf injury), started Hakimi at right-back and Diaz, who had scored in every group game.
This was the teams' first AFCON meeting in 22 years; Nigeria won their previous semi-final encounter 1-0 in 1980. Morocco now face Senegal on Sunday, while Nigeria's absence from the 2026 World Cup adds sting to their exit.
