Nigeria’s quest for Africa Cup of Nations glory came to a halt in a familiar scenario, falling to tournament host Morocco in a penalty shootout. This 0-0 (2-4 on penalties) result in the 2025 edition adds a new chapter to a recurring theme in the Super Eagles’ history.
The defeat marks the fifth time Nigeria has lost to an AFCON host nation in 11 total meetings. While they have secured three wins and three draws in such fixtures, the losses have often been decisive. The trend began with two heavy defeats to Algeria in 1990 (5-1 and 1-0). It continued with a 2-1 loss to Ghana in 2008 and, most recently, a 2-1 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 final.
This latest exit also highlighted a particularly notable statistic. Whenever Nigeria has been eliminated from the AFCON via a penalty shootout, the team that beat them has gone on to win the tournament. This pattern now extends to three occasions.
Nigeria’s shootout record at the tournament remains strong, with this being only their third loss in nine attempts. However, the previous two losses set a clear precedent. Cameroon defeated Nigeria on penalties in the 2000 final and lifted the trophy. Similarly, Tunisia bested the Super Eagles in a 2004 semi-final shootout and proceeded to become champions.
This historical context places Morocco’s victory in a specific light. By overcoming Nigeria from the penalty spot, they have, for now, followed the path of past champions. For the Super Eagles, the search for a fourth continental title continues, with the challenge posed by host nations especially in the tense drama of penalty kicks proving to be a significant and repeated obstacle in their campaign history.
Nigeria Statistics against AFCON hosts.
11 games played. 3 draws and 3 wins.
1990: Algeria 5-1 Nigeria
1990: Algeria 1-0 Nigeria
2008: Ghana 2-1 Nigeria
2023: Nigeria 1-2 Côte d’Ivoire
2025: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (2-4 penalties)
Anytime Nigeria loses an AFCON game on penalties, the winning team has gone on to be crowned champion.
Cameroon, 2000
Tunisia, 2004