Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologized the fans after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles’ title ambition hopes dashed on Wednesday after succumbing to a penalty shootouts defeat to Morocco after a pulsating goalless draw in both regular and extra-time.
The West African football heavyweights will now battle it out with Egypt in the third-place match, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
“We apologize to the Nigerian people, we affirm our love for you and thank you for your continued support and assistance.”
Nwabali saved a penalty, while Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two penalties to lead his country to the final for the first time since 2004.
This marks Morocco’s first AFCON finals since 2004, and their third history after 1988, while remain the nation with most semi-final defeat (9).
The Super Eagles have finished third 8 times in the history of the African Cup of Nations, while the Egyptian national team has won the bronze medal 3 times.
The two teams had previously met in the third-place match of the 1976 tournament, which was won by the Moroccan team.
At that time, the Nigerian national team defeated their Egyptian counterparts by three goals to two, thus winning third place at the expense of the Pharaoh.
