Nigeria, Jan. 15 -- Nigeria's hopes of reaching a ninth Africa Cup of Nations final were dashed on Wednesday night after the Super Eagles fell to hosts Morocco in a tense semi-final decided by penalties in Rabat.

Instead, it was the Lions who stayed on course for a first AFCON title in 50 years after edging Nigeria 4-2 in a shoot-out, following a goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The defeat ended Nigeria's impressive run at AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles had arrived in the semi-final unbeaten and tipped as favourites.

The match itself was cagey and low on clear chances, reflecting the high stakes.

Morocco's Brahim Diaz flashed an early effort wide, while Nigeria responded through Ademola Lookman, whose st...