AFCON 2025: Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, Others React As Super Eagles Lose Semifinal to Morocco
- Politician Peter Obi has commended Nigeria for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite their semi-final defeat to Morocco
- Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso appreciated the Super Eagles for their efforts in the game, adding that they showed strength and prowess against all odds
- Nigeria lost to hosts Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semifinal and will now have to settle for facing Egypt in the third-place contest on Saturday, January 17
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering football and sports in Nigeria and Africa.
Rabat, Morocco - Peter Obi and several top Nigerian politicians have reacted to the Super Eagles' loss to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semifinal.
Youssef El-Nesyri scored the winning penalty, and Yassine Bounou saved two as the hosts advanced to the final with a 4-2 win on penalties on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Source: Facebook
Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved one but was unable to match Bono in the shootout after the teams drew 0-0 with extra time, in front of 65,458 mostly Moroccan supporters in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The host nation, bidding for its first title since its only success in 1976, set up a match in the same stadium on Sunday, January 18, with 2021 champion Senegal, which defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semifinal earlier in Tangier.
Obi, others react to Nigeria's AFCON defeat
Reacting to the Super Eagles’ loss, Obi, a presidential hopeful and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), wrote on his verified X on Thursday morning, January 15:
“Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed. Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds. The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stops soaring. There is another stage, let’s go get that medal. You have done well.”
In the same vein, former Kano governor and leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, said on X:
"Chin up, Super Eagles. You played well against a great opponent. Now let us get the bronze!"
Source: Getty Images
Similarly, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Shehu Sani, tweeted:
"The players tried, it’s just not our day. Penalties are not a measure of better skills, it’s about luck. I’m most happy to see the Super Eagles matches uniting the country. When you don’t win, you learn; thats life."
Read more on Nigeria's Super Eagles:
- Nigeria’s all-time scorers’ list as Victor Osimhen closes in on Rashidi Yekini's record
- “Thank you, Eric Chelle”: Fans react as Super Eagles beat Benin Republic 4–0 in 2026 WCQ
BUA boss confirms $500K pledge
Legit.ng earlier reported that Abdul Samad Rabiu confirmed he would fulfil his $500,000 Super Eagles pledge, despite their semifinal exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
Writing on his verified X after Nigeria lost out to host nation Morocco, the BUA boss lauded the Eric Chelle-led squad as brave, as they prepare to face Egypt in the third-place playoff game.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
