By Michael Okosi
Three-time African champions Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday evening missed the chance to gun for a fourth African title as they lost 4-2 on penalty shootout to hosts Morocco in a controversial game that is expected to spark reactions around the globe.
The game ended scoreless in 90 minutes and extra 30 minutes was required to find a winner. The contest was ultimately settled with the spotkicks as the duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their kicks.
With eight minutes played, Brahim Diaz found himself with a great opportunity and let fly a shot from the edge of the box but hid effort whizzed just wife off the post.Super Eagles center back Calvin Bassey went into the referee’s book midway into the game in a blow to Nigeria as he has been ruled out of the third place final.
Achraf Hakimi thought he had a clear sight on goal bit his mid-range free kick went off target.
Stanley Nwabali saved brilliantly from Noussair Mazraoui who attempted to beat the keeper with a close-range shot towards the left side of the target.The match officiating left much to be desired as most calls went against the much improved Super Eagles side.
Morocco will face Senegal in the final while Nigeria and Egypt battle for the third place spot.
