It was a night of raw emotion at the 2025 AFCON as Nigeria and Morocco played out a tense 0–0 draw after 120 minutes, only for the host nation to edge through on penalties and book their place in the final. For Nigerian fans, the heartbreak was immediate and familiar another tournament ending via the cruel lottery of spot-kicks, another night of asking what might have been, Softfootball reports.
While many praised the Super Eagles’ effort and togetherness, frustration boiled over around missed penalties, blunt attacking moments, and questions about whether individual brilliance is still failing to translate into collective success when it matters most.
For Morocco, however, the night was one of pride, belief, and destiny. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions showed resilience, composure, and faith in their project. Qualification for the final sparked nationwide celebration, with fans already dreaming of lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil. Their journey is not over yet, though, as a formidable Senegal side awaits in Sunday’s final after the Teranga Lions edged Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final.
Nigerian Fans Divided Between Pride, Pain, and Anger
Among Nigerian supporters, emotions ranged from disappointment and anger to pride and philosophical acceptance. Some were unimpressed with the overall performance, especially in attack.
@rosie did not mince words:
Did you guys not have training? That wasn’t a good performance today o. Osimhen hardly even touched the ball. Btw, don’t allow Chukwueze follow the team bus home oo. He should use Okada.
The frustration around Samuel Chukwueze intensified quickly. @stargirl added bluntly:
Chukueze should be made to run after the bus back home.
After game, Caf via its official X handle shared the post match reactions of the super eagles holding their heads up high after the loss through penalties. They posted:
Others took a calmer, more reflective view. @megamixer wrote:
The boys gave their best effort; today just wasn’t our day. Penalty shootouts rely heavily on luck rather than skill. What I enjoy most is how Super Eagles matches bring the country together. When you don’t come out on top, you learn; it’s all part of life.
Some fans pointed to structural issues rather than individual blame. @danielregha commented:
The Super Eagles need to work on their performance as a team; Individually our players are good, but n@t as a sqaud. Better preparation next time.
There was also an outpouring of love and encouragement. @fridausi shared:
Congratulations my boys ❤️
No we are so proud of u.
U guys did everything and trust me we are entertained.
Next one will be ours. You guys are the best team in AFCON no team comes close We love u and thank you for this performance.
Similarly, @johnsonadams wrote:
Regardless of the outcome of this match. Congratulations to the boys. You guys did well. This is a game of football where one team must win. It was Morocco the host nation that won the 🇳🇬super Eagles after 120 minutes of play. Kudos to the boys.
Still, concerns about penalties resurfaced yet again. @hintrovert admitted:
But let’s not lie, our players have performed very well. We aren’t just good at penalties think the Super Eagles need to work on that.
For others, the pain was too fresh to soften. @itata delivered a scathing reaction:
This is Chukwueze’s fault! What is wrong with him? We had the momentum. You’ll be in camp cracking jokes that you’ll get MOTM if you play. Now that you’ve been given the opportunity to step up for your country that’s what you do? With all your experience! What kind of stupid walk up and soft shot is that? Absolute nonsense! I can’t blame Bruno because he was the one under pressure and he at least kicked a good shot. Just terrible! This was our cup just like 2023 and we fumbled AGAIN 🤦🏾♂️.
@starbede echoed that anger while questioning key players:
Chukwueze should never play for Super Eagles again. And when will Osimhen deliver for us when it matters the most?
The penalty shootout was a nervy one to watch, interestingly CAF shared the full penalty shootout highlights via its official X handle, for fans to relive and enjoy. They posted:
Morocco Fans Celebrate Destiny, Unity, and a Place in the Final
In contrast, Moroccan supporters were euphoric, blending celebration with humility and belief in what lies ahead.
@adilhamdan wrote:
Congratulations to us for our Lions! May God complete for us with warmth the Cup in our country, and congratulations to all Africans for the brotherhood and affection and the remarkably balanced harmony between its fans in this tournament.
@sabirihanne kept it simple and hopeful:
Congratulations, and God willing, a title will be our lot, O Lord.
Some fans praised the team’s mentality and leadership. @gabbylandscape declared:
TOLD YOU THAT WE COULD AND SHOULD TRUST OUR SELECTOR AND OUR LIONS 🇲🇦👑😈😎🦁👑🇲🇦 We turned them off mastered them!!! BIG RESPECT THANK YOU!! WHAT PRIDE!!!!
After the game, the celebrations for the atlas lions knew no bounds, this was shown via CAF official X handle as they shared the post match reactions of the Moroccans after the win. They posted:
There was also cultural and emotional resonance to the victory. @elmoukir wrote:
The Atlas Lions gift qualification for the New Year of the Amazigh people to the Moroccan nation.
A salute of pride to the Atlas Lions for their fighting spirit, and a salute to all who supported them on this journey.
Askas amaino, and good luck in the final 🦁🇲🇦🏆.
Respect for Nigeria was not lost either. @mrmostafatahoon offered a balanced take:
Morocco deserves the final
Even though Nigeria also delivered a wonderful tournament
And it would have been great for the first final to be between themGood luck in the final, which will by no means be easy
Morocco does have the greater chances, that’s true, but Senegal is very strong and caution is essential, without thinking that the championship is already secured.”
@achourmohammedalae summed up the night:
A victory won with heart—we gave it everything we had and we were the best team. Bravo to all the members of the team. Now there is only one word: recovery and care for the final step.
CAF via its official X handle, shared an exclusive angle of the final penalty scored by El- neysri to take Morocco to their third ever afcon finals. Their first since tunisia 2004. They posted:
Looking Ahead
For Nigeria, the pain of another penalty exit will linger, but so will pride in a team that once again united the nation and proved competitive on the biggest stage. The conversation now turns to lessons preparation, cohesion, and finally exorcising the demons of penalty shootouts.
For Morocco, attention shifts immediately to Sunday’s AFCON final against Senegal, who booked their place with a hard-fought win over Egypt. With home advantage, belief, and momentum on their side, the Atlas Lions stand just one step away from history but a disciplined, battle-hardened Senegal side ensures nothing will come easy.
