Nigeria, Jan. 15 -- The journey of the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 ended in the cruellest fashion on Wednesday night, as Nigeria succumbed to a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat against the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the semi-final.

After 120 tense, goalless minutes, in which Morocco enjoyed slight territorial dominance without finding a breakthrough, the contest was decided from twelve yards. Despite heroics from Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria ultimately fell short as missed penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi sealed the Super Eagles' fate.

Nwabali had earlier given Nigeria hope by saving Morocco's second kick from Hamza Igamane, but the Super Eagles were unable to capitalise, bringing an ago...