Morocco will look to end a 50-year wait for their second continental title when they face Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
But the Atlas Lions will also be looking to garner the ultimate return for their country’s huge investment in footballing infrastructure.
The game in Rabat pits the continent’s top two teams against one another, with the North Africans ranked 11th in the world and the Teranga Lions eight places below them.
“We are waiting for this trophy for 50 years now,” Morocco defender Romain Saiss told the BBC World Service.
“It’s been a long time for everyone in the country. It’s the dream of all Moroccans.”
Morocco boast the best defence at the finals, with five clean sheets and the only goal conceded by Yassine Bounou coming from the penalty spot, but will face a stern examination from a Senegal side which has scored 12 times en route to booking their place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The West Africans are also bidding for their second Afcon crown, having claimed their maiden trophy at the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax on Sunday as Senegal and Morocco face off for continental supremacy at Stade Moulay Abdellah. For either team, victory would mean a second continental title with Senegal winning it in 2021 while Morocco last won it in 1976.
Both sides come into this game after similarly impressive campaigns, finishing the group stage with identical records and showcasing outstanding defensive discipline throughout the tournament. Senegal edged past Egypt in a tightly contested semi-final, while Morocco advanced after shutting out a Super Eagles squad which had been on a scoring spree all tournament.
With two of the competition’s most consistent and well-drilled teams on display, the stage is set for a finely balanced and tactical final.
Road To The Final
Senegal
The Lions of Teranga finished atop their group with seven points, registering seven goals and conceding only once, a consistency that has characterized their tournament. Their semi-final victory over Egypt – marking a third high-stakes win over the Pharaohs in five years – highlighted that control and efficiency, as they had 65% possession, restricted Egypt to a single shot on target, and secured the breakthrough through Sadio Mané in a disciplined 1–0 win.
Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal has impressed tactically, deploying a flexible 4-3-3 formation that often shifts into a compact 4-5-1 when defending. This setup has allowed the team to maintain defensive solidity while sustaining a potent counter-attacking threat. Control in midfield has been crucial, shielding the backline and creating space for the forwards.
Sadio Mané remains central to Senegal’s ambitions. The Al Nassr forward has contributed two goals and three assists in the tournament, bringing his AFCON career total to a record 20 goal involvements. With an unbeaten record, defensive stability, and a squad led by experienced winners, Senegal enters Rabat ready to face Morocco in what promises to be their most challenging match of the tournament.
Morocco
Morocco topped their group with seven points, recording six goals scored and just a single goal conceded, paralleling Senegal’s group-stage performance. Their semi-final encounter with Nigeria demonstrated their tactical superiority, limiting the Super Eagles to just two shots across 120 minutes, with only one on target. Meanwhile, Morocco had 16 attempts, including five on target, with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey delivering a standout performance to keep Nigeria in the game. The match was settled in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Morocco prevailing 4–2 and reaching the final for only the second time since 2004.
Coach Walid Regragui has emphasized disciplined defensive structure combined with quick attacking transitions, making effective use of the wings to create opportunities. Morocco’s midfield has consistently dictated tempo, and their defence has been difficult to breach, conceding only once in six games. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Noussair Mazraoui have supplied moments of individual quality, but the squad’s success has largely stemmed from collective teamwork rather than reliance on individual stars.
This balance between defensive resilience and measured attacking threat, coupled with the fact that they’re yet to fall behind in this competition, makes Morocco an appealing 1UP pick for the online betting community with BetKing providing the best odds for this.,
With home advantage at Stade Moulay Abdellah and an unbeaten run leading into the final, Morocco are well-positioned to challenge Senegal’s potent attack, in what is expected to be a low-scoring, but highly enjoyable game.
Head To Head
The historical head-to-head record between the two nations favours Morocco, who have won four of their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter ended in a 1–1 draw, with Morocco eventually prevailing in a penalty shootout.
Notably, the sides have never faced each other at the Africa Cup of Nations, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this final. While the head-to-head advantage may offer Morocco a psychological edge, tournament finals often unfold on their own terms, largely detached from historical trends.
Meetings: 31
Senegal wins: 7
Morocco wins: 18
Draws: 6
Team Form
Senegal
Morocco
Form
W-D-W-W-W-W
W-D-W-W-W-W
Goals Scored
12
9
Goals Conceded
2
1
Clean Sheets
4
5
Team News
Senegal has some concern due to the suspension of two key starters. For the second time in his career, captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss an AFCON final, having also been absent from the 2021 victory over Egypt. Interestingly, some view this as a good omen for Senegal seeing as they won without him 5 years ago. The former Chelsea centre-back was substituted during their semi-final victory over Egypt after picking up an injury, but prior to that he had picked up a second booking of the knockout stages, confirming a one-match suspension that ruled him out of the final regardless of his fitness.
Habib Diarra, who has been an exceptional worker for the West Africans in midfield, is also suspended after being booked in the same game. The Teranga Lions will therefore lean on their squad depth, with Mamadou Sarr expected to be preferred in defence ahead of Abdoulaye Seck, while Lamine Camara is widely tipped to replace Diarra in midfield. For Morocco, Romain Saïss and Sofyan Amrabat, both of whom are not starters, are also unavailable due to injury.
Expected Line-Ups
Senegal: Mendy | Diatta – Sarr – Niakhate – Diouf | Camara – Idrissa Gueye – Pape Gueye | Ndiaye – Jackson – Mane (4-3-3)
Morocco: Bono | Hakimi – Aguerd – Masina – Mazraoui | El Aynaoui – Saibari – El Khannouss | Diaz – El Kaabi – Ezzalzouli (4-3-3)
Key Players: Sadio Mané and Malick Diouf vs. Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi
The final of this AFCON features a unique scenario, with key players on both sides set to come up directly against each other, setting the stage for an incredible showdown. On Senegal’s left side, African football icon Sadio Mané is paired with the promising left-back Malick Diouf. Both have been outstanding throughout the tournament, with many tipping them for inclusion in the Team of the Tournament.
While Mané is years removed from the explosive winger he once was, he has leaned heavily on his experience, often dropping deeper to operate more as a playmaker. With three assists and two goals in the competition – including the fierce strike in the semi-final that proved decisive – he’s the first player in AFCON history to reach 20 goal involvements. Malick Diouf has been equally impressive, particularly in the semi-final where he kept Mohamed Salah quiet for long periods. He made a match-high 10 clearances in that game, more than the entire Egyptian team combined (7). The West Ham defender will be keen to replicate that display on Sunday.
On Morocco’s right side, the hosts boast tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz (5 goals) alongside reigning African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who, despite missing a few games due to injury, has created 10 chances – the most by a Moroccan in this tournament. Given the attacking quality of this pairing, the Atlas Lions’ build-up play has naturally been channelled down that flank, an approach that has yielded consistent success throughout the tournament. Against the Super Eagles in the semi-final, they did, however, show another side to their game, putting up an outstanding defensive shift which limited Nigeria to just 2 shots in 120 minutes.
If Senegal is to win on Sunday, much will hinge on keeping Hakimi penned in his half while limiting Díaz’s influence in the final third – tasks that will fall largely to Mané and Diouf. Conversely, if the hosts are to end their 50-year wait for a continental title, they will need to restrict Mané’s playmaking while ensuring Diouf is kept under pressure, a responsibility that rests with Hakimi and Díaz. As a result, a fascinating tactical battle awaits in the final.
By The Numbers
Sadio Mane is the first player to reach 20 goal involvements at AFCON (11 goals, 9 assists). One to keep an eye on for more goal involvements?
Senegal has kept 18 clean sheets in 27 AFCON games over the last five editions.
Senegal is in its third AFCON final in the last four editions.
Morocco hasn’t conceded from open play in this AFCON.
Morocco has never fallen behind in this tournament.
Yassine Bounou’s 5 clean sheets in 6 games for Morocco is one shy of the tournament record – 6 by Cameroon’s Alioum Boukar (2002).
Since the introduction of the Round of 16 in 2019, Morocco is the third team to reach an AFCON final after conceding just one goal in six matches, alongside Senegal in 2019 and Egypt in 2021.
Morocco have registered 87 shots at goal, the second most at the tournament, with only Senegal (94) recording more.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to celebrate the continent’s rich football history, several legendary players stand out for their remarkable goal-scoring records at the tournament.
Topping the chart is Cameroon icon Samuel Eto’o, who remains the highest goal scorer in AFCON history with 18 goals, a record that underlines his dominance on the African stage.
He is followed by Côte d’Ivoire great Laurent Pokou, who scored 14 goals while Nigeria’s legendary striker Rashidi Yekini ranks third with 13 goals.
Egypt’s Hassan El-Shazly sits fourth after netting 12 goals, while a group of African football legends share fifth place, each scoring 11 goals at the tournament.
In Rabat, under the bright lights of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the revered Super Eagles bowed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the semi-final stage, edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties after a pulsating 120 minutes. Yet in defeat, the story of Nigeria’s tournament was unmistakable: a team reborn, fearless in attack, disciplined in structure and united in belief. At the heart of this transformation stands Éric Sékou Chelle — understated, methodical and increasingly influential — a silent miracle worker whose impact now echoes across African football write MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN and TUNDE LIADI
Football history often celebrates the loudest voices, the most animated touchline generals but Eric Sékou Chelle is the opposite.
Calm, analytical and deeply intentional, the Franco-Malian has reshaped the Super Eagles not through noise but through clarity of purpose. Nigeria’s semi-final exit to Morocco on penalties on Wednesday night did little to diminish the widespread acclaim for a coach who, in less than a year, has restored identity and confidence to a once-uncertain national side.
Former Nigeria international and Super Eagles’ assistant coach to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan , Ben Duamlong, captured the reality of football’s unforgiving judgment:
“A coach is as good as his last result,” the Septuagenarian told NationSports before the Super Eagles’ dramatic penalty-shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON).“It could be as a result of his coaching abilities, a talented bunch of players, plain luck or whatever. Once the results are pouring in, the chorus is always ‘the boy is good’.”
Yet results, undeniably, have poured in under Chelle. Nigeria arrived at the AFCON semi-finals with a perfect winning record in regulation time, scoring freely and pressing relentlessly. The Super Eagles netted a tournament-high 14 goals while conceding just four — a remarkable balance between ambition and control.
For former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita, the change was immediately visible.
“Obviously, the coach is doing a good job,” Kaita, a 2013 AFCON winner, told NationSport. “It’s clear to see we are back to playing attacking football in this tournament. Credit goes to the coach placing an idea and way of play, and of course to the players for executing brilliantly.”
Kaita’s tactical insight proved prophetic ahead of the Morocco clash: “I think the coach shouldn’t change our way of playing for Morocco. They won’t be naive; I believe they will respect us. The only thing I would like to advise is we need to be compact out of possession, as Moroccans are perfect at what they do.”
Morocco ultimately prevailed, tactically sharper on the night but Nigeria’s fearless approach never wavered — a hallmark of Chelle’s philosophy.
Indeed, coach Manu Garba, a two-time winner of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, highlighted Chelle’s greatest achievement: “Coach Eric Chelle has performed credibly well in the AFCON 2025.
“He has been able to get the players to play cohesively as a unit and guided the team to the semi-final with a 100% record of wins. The players have been committed, coordinated and motivated.
“So far, they are the best performing team in the tournament,” Garba added hours before the semi-final loss to Morocco.
That cohesion was evident even in heartbreak. Against Morocco, Nigeria defended with discipline, pressed intelligently, and trusted their collective strength — traits absent in recent years.
Former Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abd’Allah offered a broader perspective about the enigmatic Chelle, adding the former Mali international must still retool the national team post AFCON 2025.
He volunteered: “Chelle has been doing very well with the team. He needs to be supported. We have a very young talent, and it points to what I suggested earlier — we must build a new team with emphasis on the next World Cup.”
Yet the vastly experience Abd’Allah who is currently attached with Beninese side, USCN Cavaliers, challenged Chelle on the way forward for the Super Eagles with a strong caveat.
“Winning the AFCON (or not) should not be the yardstick,” the erstwhile coach of Enyimba, Kano Pillars and Katsina United, told NationSports. “Rather, he should use it to build a team with the potential of doing better
“The Moroccans were tactically better; Nigeria’s strength lies in individual tactical abilities. A tactical team only comes with time together.”
In Abd’Allah’s view, patience is the missing ingredient — and Chelle deserves it.
From within the Nigerian camp, admiration for Chelle has become even stronger.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s leading scorer at the tournament, credited Chelle with unlocking the squad’s potential:
“We have the talent, but now we’ve got someone who knows when to unleash the beast in his squad,” the Galatasaray striker said. “We’re just doing our job, doing what the coach wants us to do and playing how he wants us to.”
A sentiment equally echoed by Fulham striker, Alex Iwobi, who praised the 48-year-old tactician for creating a team spirit which has taken the Super Eagles to enviable heights only two months after their dreams of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in agonising loss to Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood, the family environment that we have created for each other,” Iwobi said on the eve of the semi-final fixture against Morocco. “Of course, at previous AFCONs we have done really well. The team was so strong, but at the same time, we were young, and we were learning about each other.
“I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country.
“It is not just on the pitch, also off the pitch, there is a big unity, we are a big family. It starts from the coach – he has brought that brotherhood.”
Such buy-ins from elite players underscores Chelle’s quiet authority as well as the uncommon ambiance he has created with the Super Eagles’ set up.
No wonder a number of other African countries have expressed the willingness to take Chelle on board following his miracle work with the Super Eagles. But former Nigeria international Jide Olugbodi has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to resist any temptation to lure Chelle away from Nigeria , adding brighter future awaits the Super Eagles under the watch of the Franco-Malian trainer.
“It’s important for the NFF to make sure Chelle remains in charge,” he said.“ From competent sources, there is interest in him from a number of African countries.
“ We’ve seen what he has done in less than a year, the future of the team is bright under him,” he added.
Indeed, Chelle’s record in the period under review speaks volumes : 11 wins in 17 matches, just one loss in regulation time and a Super Eagles side once again feared on the continent.
The penalty shootout loss to Morocco hurt, but it did not wound Nigeria’s pride. Instead, it confirmed something deeper: the Super Eagles have direction again.
Chelle may not shout from the sidelines, but his ideas resonate loudly on the pitch. In Rabat, even in defeat, the Silent Miracle Worker strengthened his case — not just as Nigeria’s present but as its future.
Even Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui was gracious in victory :“I congratulate the Nigerian team and Coach Eric Chelle for the great work they have done.”
ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE: THE SCORECARD
21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali)
25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London)
31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London)
*Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy
06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow)
06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein)
10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane)
14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
16 Nov 2025: DR Congo 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
*DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties
16 Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Cairo)
23 Dec 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
27 Dec 2025: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
30 Dec 2025: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
05 Jan 2026: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
10 Jan 2026: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON: Marrakech, Morocco)
14 Jan 2026: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (AFCON: Rabat, Morocco)
For Nigeria and Egypt, tomorrow’s 2025 AFCON third-place playoff in Casablanca offers a final opportunity to transform semi-final heartbreak into continental recognition. Two of Africa’s most storied football nations meet once again, with pride, momentum and history all at stake, writes TUNDE LIADI.
Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow, January 17, at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time).
The fixture follows contrasting but equally painful semi-final exits on Wednesday. Nigeria were eliminated by hosts Morocco after a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 4–2 following a tense 0–0 draw across regulation and extra time. Morocco dominated attacking phases, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Stanley Nwabali, whose goalkeeping kept the Super Eagles in contention for 120 minutes.
Nigeria’s attacking threats, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, found chances limited by Morocco’s compact defensive shape, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui exerted strong influence at both ends of the pitch. In the shootout, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted for Nigeria, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.
Earlier in Tangier, Egypt bowed out after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal. Sadio Mané’s 78th-minute strike separated the sides in a contest dominated by Senegal’s possession, with the Pharaohs defending stoutly but offering little threat in attack.
Nigeria arrived in Morocco as one of the tournament favourites and delivered a commanding group-stage performance, winning all three matches and scoring eight goals. Defensive issues surfaced early, but Eric Chelle’s side tightened up impressively in the knockout rounds.
A 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16 was followed by a disciplined 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria, where Nigeria showcased tactical balance and control. Although they fell short against Morocco, the Super Eagles’ overall campaign has reaffirmed their status among Africa’s elite.
On the other hand, Egypt’s tournament has been built on structure and resilience. The Pharaohs topped their group with two wins and a draw, scoring three goals and conceding just once. They needed extra time to overcome Benin in the round of 16 before edging Ivory Coast 3–2 in the quarter-finals, with Mohamed Salah once again delivering at a crucial moment.
However, their semi-final loss to Senegal highlighted familiar attacking limitations, setting up a third-place playoff that offers consolation rather than celebration.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be without Calvin Bassey, suspended after receiving a booking in the semi-final. Midfield general Wilfred Ndidi returns from suspension while Victor Osimhen’s fitness will be assessed after he was withdrawn late against Morocco.
Egypt may rotate slightly, with Trezeguet fit again, though Mohamed Hamdi remains doubtful. Despite subdued semi-final displays, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are expected to lead the line.
Tactically, Nigeria are likely to press higher and use wide combinations through Lookman, while Egypt will aim to remain compact and strike on the break through Salah.
Nigeria’s AFCON campaign ended on Wednesday night after a 4–2 penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. Senegal earlier booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 1–0 win over Egypt in Tangier.
Nigeria and Egypt will contest the third-place playoff while Morocco face Senegal in the Final on Sunday. Both games will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Despite Nigeria arriving as one of the tournament’s most prolific sides, the Super Eagles were restricted to limited attacking opportunities as Morocco controlled large spells of the contest. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made one save in the shootout, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.
Earlier on Wednesday, Senegal secured their place in the final with a 2–1 victory over Egypt in Tangier. The defending champions struck first through Sadio Mané before Egypt responded, but a late Senegalese goal settled the encounter and ended Mohamed Salah’s hopes of adding a second AFCON title.
The result sets up an AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, scheduled for Sunday at 9:00 pm, with both sides aiming to cap impressive tournament runs. Morocco continue to benefit from home support and defensive organisation, while Senegal arrive with knockout-stage experience and momentum from their title defence.
Nigeria and Egypt will now meet in the third-place playoff tomorrow at 6:00 pm, offering both teams the opportunity to finish the tournament with a podium place.
For Nigeria, the match provides a chance to recover from penalty disappointment after a campaign marked by strong defensive displays and emphatic victories earlier in the competition.
Both games will be broadcast live on the SuperSport AFCON dedicated channel (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202) with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers. In fact, if you just reconnect, you’ll be given the next higher package.
The drums sounded louder and the lights shone brighter on Wednesday night, even as Nigeria’s AFCON dream suffered a painful end.
At the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Dopemu, Lagos, Goldberg once again brought fans together under its Festival of Drums and Light, proving that support for the Super Eagles goes beyond results.
After the successful first edition of the Festival of Drums and Lights during Nigeria’s quarter-final win over Algeria, the experience returned bigger and bolder for the much-anticipated semi-final clash between the Super Eagles and hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lions.
Following the buzz created last Saturday, it was clear that Wednesday’s semi-final would draw an even larger crowd.
Goldberg prepared accordingly. More fans arrived early, more instant prizes were made available, and more ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer flowed freely — including Goldberg Black — as supporters settled in for what promised to be a dramatic night.
Even before Nigeria took centre stage, the atmosphere was already building.
Fans trooped in from the first semi-final contest between Senegal and Egypt, with DJ Y.K setting the mood by dropping party jams as the Teranga Lions edged past the Pharaohs by a lone goal.
As that match ended, attention quickly shifted to the main event: Nigeria versus Morocco.
Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Lights again delivered a rich blend of football, music and culture. The venue glowed in the brand’s signature gold, while drums, chants and familiar supporters’ songs filled the air.
It was another reminder of the Our Beat, Our Gold campaign — a celebration of how Nigerians live football together.
The Super Eagles matched the energy with a determined performance.
After 120 minutes of tense football, the match was decided by penalties. Nigeria fell 2–4 in the shootout, with Morocco converting through Hamza Igamane, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef El-Nesyri.
Only Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored for Nigeria, while Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their efforts saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The heartbreak was real, but so was the unity.
As the final penalty was saved, Hypeman Advantage stepped in with his usual energy, holding the crowd together and keeping spirits high.
His presence ensured that the Goldberg standard remained intact, even in defeat.
Teni later took the stage, performing after the exhausting 120 minutes and penalty drama. Her performance helped lift the mood, turning disappointment into shared reflection and calm celebration.
Speaking after the event, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Laolu Babalola, said the night captured the true spirit of Nigerian football fans.
“This is exactly what Our Beat, Our Gold stands for,” he said. “Football gives us joy and sometimes heartbreak, but what never changes are how fans show up. Even after a tough result, Nigerians stayed together, supported the team and shared the moment. Goldberg is proud to stand with them.”
Also speaking, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun said the semi-final experience showed the deeper role football plays in Nigerian life.
“What we witnessed here goes beyond the scoreboard,” he said. “Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Lights is about community, culture and connection. Even in disappointment, fans found comfort in togetherness, and that is powerful.”
For many supporters, Goldberg became a source of consolation after the defeat.
“We were hurt, no doubt,” said one fan, Musa Abdullahi, holding a bottle of Goldberg. “But sitting here, watching together, drinking Goldberg and listening to music made it easier to accept. The boys tried, and we are still proud.”
The Festival of Drums and Light forms part of Goldberg’s wider Our Beat, Our Gold campaign, which has followed the Super Eagles throughout AFCON 2025 with viewing centres, cultural activations and fan experiences across Lagos and beyond.
As one of the longest-standing sponsors of Nigerian football, the brand has continued to put fans at the centre of the journey.
Though the Super Eagles fell just short of the AFCON final, Goldberg says its support for the team and the fans remains firm.
“Win or lose, we stand together,” Aroyehun said. “That rhythm, that belief, that community — it is gold.”
On a night of missed chances and broken dreams, Goldberg’s drums still beat, its lights still shone, and Nigerian football fans were reminded that their passion endures, even in heartbreak.
Media personality Tacha has criticised the officiating in the AFCON semi-final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Morocco.
The Nation reported that Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday.
Reacting on X, Tacha said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have opposed the appointment of referees from Ghana and South Africa, citing long standing football rivalries with Nigeria.
She wrote, “The @thenff is a very unserious organization. Two referees from rival countries — Ghana and South Africa — how?
“The moment those referees were announced, the NFF should have petitioned CAF. And even if CAF refused to change them, the petition alone would have put the referees on check.
“But instead, silence. And what did we get? One of the worst officiated games in the history of football.”
“The referee disrupted the rhythm of the match nonstop. Fouls were given that made no sense. Even Moroccan players sometimes looked unsure what the whistle was for. That’s how bad it was.
“This wasn’t ‘home advantage.” This was shambolic officiating. If the @thenff has any sense, they will petition CAF, demand a review, and question whether that referee should be handling games at this level at all. CAUSE performances like that damage the credibility of African football. FR.”
Many Nigerian fans who have aired their grievances also felt the refereeing was biased and poor, impacting the game’s outcome.
Senegal booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Egypt 1–0 in a tense semi-final, with Sadio Mané scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
The heavyweight clash lived up to its billing, as both sides traded spells of dominance in a tightly contested encounter defined by tactical discipline and defensive resilience. Egypt, seven-time champions, controlled possession for long periods, while Senegal relied on their physicality and quick transitions to threaten on the counter.
The breakthrough arrived late in the second half when Mané, Senegal’s talisman, pounced inside the penalty area to fire home the winning goal, sending the Senegalese bench and supporters into celebration. The strike proved decisive, as Egypt struggled to find an equaliser in the closing minutes despite a late surge forward.
Senegal’s defence held firm under pressure, preserving the narrow lead and securing a famous victory over one of the tournament’s most decorated sides. The result extends Senegal’s impressive run in the competition and keeps their dream of another continental title alive.
Senegal will now await the winner of the second semi-final, where hosts Morocco take on Nigeria. The Teranga Lions could face either the home crowd advantage of Morocco or a resurgent Nigerian side in the final, setting up a potentially thrilling climax to AFCON 2025.
The Federal Government has urged the Super Eagle players to play with their heart in the African Cup of Nations’ Wednesday Semi-final clash with the host country Morocco.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a letter to the players ahead of the clash, urged the players to play for the country with pride.
Idris assured the players of the country’s support, saying that the whole of Nigeria is firmly with them.
The letter read, “As you prepare to face Morocco in the AFCON semifinals, I want you to know that the whole of Nigeria stands firmly with you. Your journey so far has been inspiring. Match after match, you have shown discipline, courage, and belief, reminding us why the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most respected teams.
“You have been here before. You know what it takes to win at this level. From past AFCON triumphs to victories against tough opponents, you have always carried Nigeria’s flag with pride. Those victories were not accidents. They came from teamwork, confidence, and a fighting spirit. You have shown that same spirit in this tournament.
“As you step onto the pitch, remember that you are not alone. You carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians. They believe in you and draw strength from your performances. Play with the confidence of champions, the unity of brothers, and hunger. Know your history and your worth.
“Stay focused, trust one another, and give your best from the first whistle to the last. Win every ball and fight for every chance. Never doubt what you can achieve together. You have earned your place at this stage. You possess the qualities to take it even further.
“Tonight, go out there and write another proud chapter in our football story.
“Play with heart. Play with pride. Play for Nigeria.”
