By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (VR), Jan 15, GNA – Fans of the Nigerian senior national team, the Super Eagles, in Keta municipality of the Volta Region, have expressed disappointment and frustration after the team lost to Morocco on penalties, and missing out on a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The team lost 4-2 on penalties to the host nation after the match ended goalless in regulation time, as well as extra time.
The Super Eagles, led by star players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, failed to capitalise on scoring opportunities, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net in the 120 minutes of extra time while Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz were also unable to make a significant impact, as the match remained scoreless.
Morocco’s victory marked their first appearance in the AFCON final since 2004, and they would now face Sadio Mane’s Senegal who also defeated Egypt 1-0 in regulation time to qualified for the finals on Sunday, January 18 while Nigeria, on the other hand, would play Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17.
Akintola Jude, a Nigerian based in Ghana, told the GNA Sports in an interview that the match was difficult and further criticised Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea for his handling of the match, accusing him of favouring Morocco team.
“On other hand, I feeI disappointed about how our Nigerian players’ were unable to utilise their chances and secure a win in this match, this is not a typical super eagles football style we know,” he said.
He said that the match was a repeat of the 2023 AFCON final, where Nigeria lost to host nation Cote D’Ivoire and the latest defeat was a blow to many Nigerian fans, who had been hoping for a strong finish in the tournament.
Mr Akintola stressed that despite the disappointment, other Nigerian fans in Keta and other parts of the world remained proud of the team’s efforts and acknowledged the challenges they faced against a strong Moroccan side.
“Morocco’s victory against Nigeria is a testament to their strength and determination, and they will be looking to make history in the final against Senegal.”
He explained that the AFCON tournament has been filled with surprises, with the latest match was no exception and stated that with Senegal and Morocco set to clash in the finals, fans around the world would be eagerly anticipating an exciting conclusion to the 2026 AFCON tournament.
Mr Onyeka Chuku, another Nigerian also expressed dissatisfaction about the result of the match, adding that, “as the dust settles on Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, we are now looking ahead to win the upcoming third-place match against Egypt on Saturday.”
He said that the Super Eagles’ failure to reach the final was a disappointment, but the team has shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament.
He said many Nigerian fans both in Ghana and around the world were anticipating that the Super Eagles would have won the tournament to console their fans since the team was unable to qualify for the upcoming 2026 World Cup that would be hosted in Canada, USA and Mexico.
Mr Chuku emphasised that the Morocco’s success was because of their hard work and strategy, with a deserved victory and they would be a formidable opponent for Senegal in the finals.
He said the 2026 AFCON tournament has showcased the best of African football, and fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the competition whether Senegal would win the trophy for the second time or Morocco would win for the first time.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade