Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has acknowledged Morocco’s deserving win after his side fell in a tense 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal.
The hosts advanced to the final following a 4–2 penalty shootout victory over the Super Eagles on Wednesday night, marking Morocco’s first appearance in an AFCON final since 2004.
Key saves from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyamaechi from the spot, secured the Atlas Lions’ place in Sunday’s showdown.
Despite the disappointment, Chelle praised Morocco’s performance and displayed commendable sportsmanship.
“Morocco deserved this victory. Everyone was saying that what I said yesterday in the press conference was bluffing or a lie, but I know my team. This match wasn’t easy for us,” he said.
“This match wasn’t easy for us. It’s crazy we worked a lot on it, penalty taking, during all of the training session but this is football; we have to accept that and continue to work,” Chelle added.
Morocco will meet Senegal in the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, while Nigeria faces Egypt in the third-place playoff in Casablanca on Saturday.
