15.01.2026 10:00
In the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco advanced to the final by defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout. The normal time and extra time of the match ended without goals, and the ticket to the final was determined by a penalty scored by Morocco's forward Youssef En-Nesyri. Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle substituted Victor Osimhen in the 118th minute, bringing in Samuel Chukwueze. This change sparked discussions on social media.
The semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations saw Nigeria face Morocco. In a match that ended goalless after 120 minutes, Morocco emerged victorious in the penalty shootout. The team that secured a spot in the final was determined by En-Nesyri's last penalty, while Nigeria's Victor Osimhen's substitution in the 118th minute sparked discussions on social media.
GOALLESS 120 MINUTES, PENALTIES DECIDED THE FINAL
In the semi-final match played at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, there was no goal scored during regular time and extra time. The finalist was determined as a result of the penalty shootout.
OSIMHEN STARTED IN THE FIRST 11, EN-NESYRI WAS ON THE BENCH
In Nigeria, Victor Osimhen started in the first 11 in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi. Paul Onuachu was among the substitutes. In Morocco, Youssef En-Nesyri started the match on the bench.
THE SUBSTITUTION IN THE 118TH MINUTE BECAME A TOPIC
Nigeria's national team coach Eric Chelle made a surprising decision to substitute Victor Osimhen in the 118th minute. The inclusion of Samuel Chukwueze in place of Osimhen ignited discussions immediately after the match.
MISSSED PENALTIES AND THE SHOT THAT LED TO THE FINAL
After the penalties began, Paul Onuachu converted Nigeria's first penalty. However, Samuel Chukwueze, who came on for Osimhen, and Bruno Onyemaechi failed to beat goalkeeper Bounou. In Morocco, Youssef En-Nesyri, who took the last penalty, converted it into a goal, leading his team to the final.
SOCIAL MEDIA WAS DIVIDED
Following Osimhen's substitution and Chukwueze's missed penalty, coach Eric Chelle became the focus of criticism. While some fans argued that Osimhen was the team's best penalty taker, others claimed that Osimhen was not a good penalty taker, supporting Chelle. Thus, the topic of Osimhen turned into a debate that was essentially split into two different views in Nigeria.
THIRD PLACE MATCH ON JANUARY 17
As Morocco advanced to the final to face Senegal, Nigeria will play against Egypt in the third place match of the Africa Cup of Nations on January 17.