Akanni: Super Eagles lost AFCON semi-final due to lack of penalty shootout preparation

Former Super Eagles defender Waidi Akanni says Nigeria's defeat to Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final was due to inadequate preparation for penalties. Morocco won 4-2 on spot kicks in Rabat on Thursday night after 120 minutes ended goalless. Nigeria's Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their kicks, while Morocco converted four of five.

Akanni, speaking to Afrosports, stated the team "didn't envisage the game going into penalty" and that the lack of preparation directly cost them. "This is all football, and there is nothing the players can do about it," he added, acknowledging the fine margins of tournament football.

The result means the Super Eagles face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Rabat. Meanwhile, the AFCON final will feature Morocco against the winner of the other semi-final.

Beyond the immediate result, the penalty shootout loss highlights a recurring issue for Nigerian football: why have world-class talent yet falter at critical, high-pressure moments? Is this about technical preparation, mental conditioning, or deeper systemic issues within the NFF that hinder consistent tournament readiness?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/15/afcon-2025-why-super-eagles-lost-to-morocco-akanni/