Senegal secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) trophy after a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday.
Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike proved decisive, giving the Teranga Lions their second continental crown.
Late drama and key saves
The match remained goalless through 90 minutes, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denying Morocco from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt was easily saved, sending the final into extra time amid chaotic scenes as Senegal fans attempted to storm the pitch.
Senegal beat Morocco to AFCON 2025 title – Getty image
Riot police intervened, but the Teranga Lions regrouped to take the decisive moment in extra time.
Gueye secures victory
Minutes into extra time, Senegal countered swiftly, with Gueye finishing a fine move into the top corner to break the deadlock.
Morocco pressed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied, with Bounou making key saves and the woodwork coming to the Teranga Lions’ aid.
Balanced contest despite absences
Senegal managed the win despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta.
The Teranga Lions had early chances, including Pape Gueye heading over after a Lamine Camara delivery and Nicolas Jackson setting up Amadou Ndiaye, whose effort was saved.
Morocco also created opportunities, with Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari, and Ayoub El Kaabi testing Senegal’s defence throughout the match.
The final was a tense, highly competitive affair, highlighted by physical clashes and close-range opportunities. The Atlas Lions’ hopes of winning on home soil were dashed, despite dominant periods and a late penalty opportunity.
Senegal’s resilience under pressure and clinical finishing in extra time earned them the title, while Morocco were left to rue missed chances in front of their home supporters.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle admitted defeat in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would have been difficult to accept, but expressed pride after the Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal.
Nigeria finished third after edging their opponents to cap a campaign that fell short of the title but provided encouragement for the future.
Speaking after the match, Chelle said the result eased the emotional weight of the tournament and validated the effort of his players.
“It would have been very difficult for me to accept if we had lost this game,” Chelle said. “My players gave everything during this AFCON, and I am very proud to be their coach.”
Chelle relieved after Super Eagles win over Egypt for AFCON 2025 bronze – Getty image
Tactical choices and game management
Chelle revealed he deliberately adjusted his system for the third-place match, starting with a flat 4-4-2 rather than his preferred diamond midfield.
According to the coach, the change was part of a broader tactical test rather than a reaction to pressure.
“I wanted to bring the game wide first, then inside,” he explained. “The players are more comfortable in the diamond, so the first half was difficult. In the second half we kept the ball better, and for me, we deserved this victory.”
He also defended his in-game decisions, including substitutions that drew criticism from some supporters.
“If I do something that looks crazy, there is always a reason,” Chelle said, stressing that each decision was made with long-term development in mind.
Focus on players and future planning
The coach praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose place in the squad had been questioned before the tournament, crediting trust and preparation for his performances.
“We prepared Stanley like every other player,” Chelle said. “He is strong, sometimes nervous, but he would go to war for his teammates. He deserves this victory.”
Chelle also addressed questions over squad rotation and the limited involvement of younger players, insisting caution was necessary in high-pressure situations.
“You cannot just throw young players into pressure situations,” he said. “They must prove readiness every day in training.”
Despite missing out on the title, Chelle believes the tournament laid a foundation for progress.
“I am happy with third place, even though I wanted to bring the trophy to Nigeria,” he said. “Our mission now is the next AFCON. We want to build something ambitious.”
The Super Eagles claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt via a penalty shootout at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, on Saturday night.
Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive figure, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure Nigeria finished the tournament with a bronze medal.
Cagey contest ends goalless in regulation time
Despite rotating his squad, Eric Chelle set Nigeria up aggressively and the Super Eagles started on the front foot.
Egypt, however, matched the intensity with a high press and created the first clear opening in the 28th minute, forcing Nwabali into a close-range save to deny Mohamed Salah.
Super Eagles edge Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON 2025 third place – Getty image
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead six minutes before the break when Akor Adams found the net, but VAR intervened. The goal was disallowed after Paul Onuachu was penalised for an accidental elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the build-up.
VAR frustrations and missed chances persist
Chelle introduced Ademola Lookman at half-time in search of a breakthrough, and the substitution almost paid immediate dividends.
Lookman found the net shortly after the restart, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside against Akor Adams.
Further changes followed, with Alex Iwobi replacing the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel in the 65th minute. Nigeria appealed strongly for a penalty late on after Adams went down under pressure, but VAR again ruled against the Super Eagles.
Nigeria pushed until the end, coming closest in the 85th minute when Lookman fired a dangerous low cross across goal, but no attacker could apply the finish.
Nwabali seals bronze in shootout
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Nwabali underlined his tournament credentials by saving the opening spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Ademola Lookman then stepped up and converted calmly, sealing a 2-0 shootout win and confirming Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish, a result that ensured the Super Eagles closed their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive and credible note.
Renowned Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has come to the defence of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze amid criticism from Nigerians over his missed penalty.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, competition on Wednesday after losing to the host nation, Morocco.
Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties during the AFCON semi-final on Wednesday after the match ended goalless.
Nigerian players, Chukwueze and Bruno however missed penalties for the Eagles while the Atlas Lions converted all their kicks.
Reacting to the Super Eagles’ loss, many Nigerians took to social media to drag Chukwueze for losing his sport kick during the penalty shootout.
However, defended him amid the backlash, singer Seun Kuti asked the critics to stop blaming Chukwueze for the country’s defeat, stating that Pele, the late Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players, also missed penalties.
Seun wrote in Pidgin English on his Instagram story; “Even Pele dey miss penalty. Leave Chukwueze alone.”
Nigeria will be playing with Egypt for the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Morocco will now face Senegal in the final on Sunday January 18 2026.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the Super Eagles’ defeat to Morocco.
Recall that Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to the hosts in Rabat, effectively ending their dream of a fourth continental title.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Tacha joined other Nigerians in condemning the selection of two referees from rival countries for Wednesday’s game.
Describing the NFF as a very unserious organisation, the reality TV star said they would have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to change the referees.
She wrote, “The @thenff is a very unserious organization. Two referees from rival countries. Ghana and South Africa How?? The moment those referees were announced, the NFF should have petitioned CAF! And even if CAF refuses to change them, the petition alone puts referees on CHECK.
“But Instead, silence. And what did we get? One of the worst officiated games in the history of football. The referee disrupted the rhythm of the match nonstop. Fouls were given that made no sense. Even Moroccan players sometimes looked unsure what the whistle was for. That’s how bad it was.
“This wasn’t “home advantage.” This was shambolic officiating. If the @thenff has any sense, they will petition CAF, demand a review, and question whether that referee should be handling games at this level at all. CAUSE performances like that damage the credibility of African football.”
Nigerian fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for appointing Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi to officiate the Super Eagles’ semifinal clash against Morocco.
Osayi-Samuel wondered why a game of such calibre would have been assigned to Ayi, who he described as appalling, to handle.
According to the Birmingham defender, the Ghanaian made wrong decisions during the match.
He was unhappy with some calls Ayi made which contributed to Nigeria’s loss.
Nigeria was eliminated from the competition after losing 4-2 in the penalty shootout, as the semifinal match ended without any goals scored during regular time.
The result ended the Super Eagles’ chance of winning their fourth AFCON title for the fourth time as they would have hoped.
After the game, the defender talked to reporters in the mixed zone.
He said he was unhappy with the referee’s performance and claimed that a few incorrect decisions made the game harder to play.
“One thing I would say is that the referee was really bad. I’m not saying that was the reason we lost. He is making really bad choices and it’s really tough to watch because we have referees like this in big games like today.
“But Morocco did really well,” Osayi-Samuel said.
The fullback said losing was really tough, but he praised Nigeria’s defense for how well they held up against Morocco.
The Super Eagles will now focus on the third-place playoff against Egypt, where they will compete for the bronze medal.
Billionaire industrialist and Nigeria’s second-richest man, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced a major financial reward for the Super Eagles following their dramatic defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
Recall that moments after Nigeria sealed a 2-0 win in the quarter finals to book a place in the semi-finals, Rabiu had revealed a cash incentive package running into millions of dollars, aimed at spurring the team towards continental glory.
“You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.
“To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored.
“Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final,” Rabiu had pledged.
However, Nigeria failed to beat Morocco in the Semi-final, losing 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday night.
With many thinking the Super Eagles have missed out on a huge financial reward, Abdul Samad Rabiu took to his Instagram page to reveal that he would still be fulfilling his pledge to the Nigerian football national team.
He wrote: “To our brave Super Eagles,
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, l am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories! Proudly Nigerian.”
Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has accused the Super Eagles players of being distracted during their AFCON semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday.
Recall that the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to the hosts in Rabat, effectively ending their dream of a fourth continental title.
Reacting in a video broadcast, Bovi blamed Super Eagles players for the defeat, claiming that they have been distracted by social media, fans’ praises, and lacked passion due to unpaid match bonuses.
He urged players not to choose to represent Nigeria if they are not going to be committed to the national team.
He said, “Football is the only thing that unites Nigeria. So dear Super Eagles and intending Super Eagles, have it in mind that if you are playing for Nigeria, regardless of how the NFF treats you, understand that you have the potential to unite Nigerians.
“I forgive Samuel Chukwueze for missing a penalty. But you need to understand that the weight of a nation lies in your hands. But if you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will become the victim…
“Don’t come to the Super Eagles if you know you are not ready to give everything for the nation. If NFF delays your payment, let it go. Social media has distracted you all, and the praise got to your heads.
“Not just from this tournament, but also previous tournaments. You don’t understand that the fans don’t like you, they like what you do.”
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed the possibility of their 2025 AFCON semi-final against Morocco being decided by a penalty shootout.
So far, only the last-16 clash between Mali and Tunisia was decided via spot-kicks at the tournament.
Nigeria lost by penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff in November.
And when asked about his team’s preparations for a shoot-out in case the match against the Atlas Lions extends beyond extra-time, Chelle replied: “I will go to the mosque to pray to win if we get to a penalty shootout.”
If the Eagles are able to beat the host whether in regulation time or penalties, they will take on Senegal or Egypt in Sunday’s final.
