The Super Eagles and their supporters will have to wait until AFCON 2027 for the elusive fourth Africa Cup of Nations title after Nigeria’s painful semi-final defeat to host nation Morocco.
Nigeria entered the contest as slight underdogs, factoring in Morocco’s home advantage and their status as Africa’s top-ranked side. Still, Eric Chelle’s men arrived with undeniable momentum, boasting the best attacking record at the tournament.
Before kick-off, Nigeria had scored 14 goals to Morocco’s nine and recorded five wins compared to Morocco’s four. Opta also revealed that both teams were the most intense at AFCON 2025, but Nigeria edged it statistically — forcing more high turnovers (43 vs 41) and more pressing sequences (76 vs 69).
Yet after the final whistle, a damning statistic emerged: Nigeria managed just two shots across the entire match — the lowest tally since Opta began collecting AFCON data. So where did it all go wrong?
Criticism of Eric Chelle’s tactical rigidity dates back to the home-based Eagles’ disastrous CHAN outing. However, those concerns had seemingly been laid to rest at AFCON 2025, where Chelle displayed flexibility — deploying 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, and even an in-game 3-4-3 tweak.
This makes accusations of rigidity appear unfair on the surface. After all, the system that demolished Tunisia, Angola, and Algeria deserved trust.
But knockout football demands adaptation to the opponent, not loyalty to past success. Against Morocco, Chelle failed that test.
Walid Regragui expertly neutralised Nigeria’s strengths by clogging central passing lanes, limiting Alex Iwobi’s influence, tightly marking Ademola Lookman, and cutting off service to Victor Osimhen. As a result, Osimhen was isolated, Akor Adams drifted into ineffective zones, and Nigeria’s attack collapsed.
True wingers like Samuel Chukwueze were desperately needed far earlier than the 83rd minute. Instead, fullbacks Bruno Onyeamachi and Bright Osayi-Samuel were forced to hold width, resulting in sterile possession while Morocco comfortably defended central danger zones.
Nigeria’s identity under Chelle is built on intensity, counter-pressing, and physical dominance. That approach was completely blunted by referee Daniel Laryea.
The Ghanaian official’s whistle-happy performance disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm. Every robust challenge resulted in a free kick for Morocco, effectively removing counter-pressing as a chance-creation mechanism.
Worse still, the officiating lacked balance. Moroccan players were allowed to contest aggressively and escape bookings, while Nigeria received two yellow cards — including a baffling caution shown to Calvin Bassey. Morocco completed nearly 120 minutes without a single yellow card.
While accusations of bias should be approached cautiously, the inconsistency was undeniable. Whether due to incompetence or the influence of an intimidating home crowd, the officiating severely disadvantaged Nigeria.
Wilfred Ndidi’s suspension proved costly.
Despite recent calls for his gradual phase-out due to Raphael Onyedika’s rise, the Morocco match highlighted Ndidi’s irreplaceable qualities — ball-winning, leadership, positional discipline, and midfield steel.
Onyedika struggled under pressure, and while it would be knee-jerk to write him off, the contrast was telling. Nigeria lacked bite and authority in midfield, even if they were never fully overrun.
There is also a leadership angle. Victor Osimhen, captaining the side, appeared hesitant to challenge the referee — perhaps influenced by recent criticism of his expressive nature. Ndidi, unburdened by attacking responsibilities, may have been more forceful in advocating for his teammates.
The atmosphere at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was ferocious. A sea of red transformed the arena into a hostile cauldron.
Nigeria’s key players — Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi, and Akor Adams — delivered unusually subdued performances. While tactical inefficiency and officiating played larger roles, the psychological impact of the crowd cannot be dismissed.
Players like Semi Ajayi and Onyedika visibly struggled, while others looked overwhelmed by the occasion.
Nigeria’s growing penalty shootout problem is alarming.
Losses against DR Congo in World Cup qualifiers and now Morocco point to systemic under-preparation. While penalties are inherently unpredictable, preparation still matters — studying opponents, selecting confident kickers, and clear goalkeeper strategy.
Stanley Nwabali’s reactive dives and Nigeria’s kicker selection suggested guesswork rather than planning. If unaddressed, this weakness could continue to derail Nigeria’s biggest ambitions.
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semi-final exit was not the result of one single failure, but a convergence of tactical stubbornness, poor officiating, leadership gaps, hostile conditions, and mental fragility in decisive moments.
The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most talented sides, but talent alone does not win tournaments. Lessons must be learned — urgently.
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