Sports
Morocco Edges Nigeria in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach AFCON 2025 Final
In a tense and tightly contested semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, host nation Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final after a 4-2 victory over Nigeria in a penalty shootout, following a gripping 0-0 draw through 120 minutes of regulation and extra time.
The match, a heavyweight showdown between the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions, remained goalless despite moments of intense pressure from both sides.
Nigeria, who entered the knockout stages with a perfect record and prolific scoring form, struggled to break down Morocco’s resolute defense, managing only a handful of shots across the entire contest.
Morocco, buoyed by a passionate home crowd in Rabat, dominated large periods but couldn’t convert their chances, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali producing key saves to keep the Super Eagles alive.
As the game headed to penalties, drama unfolded. Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s world-class shot-stopper, emerged as the hero once again, making crucial saves from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Morocco’s takers — including Neil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and the decisive Youssef En-Nesyri — converted confidently to seal the win.
The result sends Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, where they will face Senegal on Sunday in a bid to claim their first continental title in 50 years (since 1976).
For Nigeria, the defeat marks another painful penalty shootout exit, ending their hopes of a fourth AFCON crown and first since 2013.
The Super Eagles will now prepare for the third-place playoff against the loser of the other semi-final. Morocco’s progression keeps the dream alive for the hosts, who have shown defensive solidity and composure under pressure throughout the tournament.
Sports
Ex-Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies after collapsing during match
Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.
Former Super Eagles striker, Michael Eneramo, is dead, according to SCORENigeria on Friday.
Eneramo reportedly slumped and died while playing a football match in Kaduna State.
The 40-year-old was said to be featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.
“He slumped and died right on the spot. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful,” a source told SCORENigeria.
The former international came on as a substitute in the second half before collapsing without any contact.
“He was pronounced dead at the hospital.”
Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.
Sports
Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.
In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.
“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
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