Nigeria, the Super Eagles were flying high and were the best team on display up to the semi-finals. Morocco, the hosts and a nation developing into a formidable force in Football, had yet to peak in the AFCON. In my opinion, however, Nigeria still had the edge over Morocco as both teams clashed in Rabat last night.
It was indeed a big match for both teams. Nigeria had not been able to qualify for the World Cup and were looking for some redemption. Victor Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi and Akor Adams were in prime form and looking dangerous. It was a great opportunity for Nigeria.
Morocco had the added baggage of the host team and the favourites tag was building the pressure. However, the performance of Brahim Diaz, Saibari and Achraf Hakimi had instilled hopes in the hearts of a football crazy nation.
The match began, and Morocco, the Atlas Lions, started positively. The moves were fluent, the energy terrific, and the coordination sublime. Nigeria were left to defend, and for once the trio of Osimhen, Lookman and Akor Adams were put under leash.
Morocco should have scored, but Nigerians were great in defence, and even though Morocco had 16 shots, the Atlas Lions could not score. Keeper Nwabali was extremely good for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles on the other hand, could hardly fly. They had just one shot on goal in the entire match and could manage just one corner. It was indeed an off day for Nigeria.
The defence of the Super Eagles virtually pushed the match into a penalty shootout, after 90 minutes, and then another 30 minutes of extra time could not break the deadlock.
It was a perfect setting for one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, Yassine Bounou, known as ‘ Bono ‘ to showcase his phenomenal ability.
Onuachu and Bashiru scored for Nigeria, but, Chukwueze struck a feeble penalty which was easily saved by Bono. However, the one taken by Onyemaechi was struck hard, but put away magnificently by Bono with a one-handed guide, while falling to the other side. It was a spectacular save from Bono.
For Morocco, Igamane missed one, but Aynaoui, Seghiri and Hakimi scored. En-Nesyri, in the end, had to convert one to take Morocco home. The experienced campaigner stayed calm and made no mistake with a confident take. Nesyri scored, and the whole of Rabat and Morocco plunged into glorious celebrations.
The Atlas Lions had beaten Nigeria and entered the AFCON finals on the back of the Bono heroics.
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