Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has expressed his frustration after losing to Morocco in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The West African football heavyweight succumbed to a penalty shootouts defeat to the Atlas Lions on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium following a pulsating goalless draw in both regular and extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on Wednesday night.
Morocco has now set up a fierce final clash against Senegal, who narrowly defeated Egypt. The high-staked clash has been scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, with victory crucial to securing the title.
This marks Morocco’s first AFCON final qualification since 2004, and their third time in its history after 1988, while Nigeria becomes the team with most semi-final defeat (9).
“It was never an easy match, but the players showed their strength and fought for every ball. Losing on penalties is very painful and difficult to accept because we put in a great effort throughout the tournament, but that’s football.” He told CAF website.
“We have to keep working,” Chelle stressed. “We played this match with high pressure because if we don’t press, we leave spaces and the situation becomes complicated.”
“We were not at the same level as we showed in the other matches. I don’t want to say that fatigue was the reason, but the truth is that we lacked movement and strength.”
Nigeria will battle it out with Egypt in the third place clash scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
