Omokri: Nigerians should be proud despite AFCON semi-final defeat
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“It is worth stating that they played against a home squad that has never lost a home game in sixteen years. Yet, with all that pressure, they still gave it their best measure,” he added.
Political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has praised the Super Eagles for their resilience and fighting spirit despite their semi-final defeat at the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Reacting after Nigeria’s narrow loss to the Atlas Lions on penalties, Omokri said the Super Eagles deserved national pride for their performance against a formidable home side.
“It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. I am super proud of their effort today, as all Nigerians should be. Great teamwork,” the ambassador-designate said.
The AFCON semi-final, played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, with both teams cancelling each other out in a tense and physically demanding contest.
Nigeria stood firm defensively and matched Morocco’s intensity, frustrating the hosts in front of a vociferous home crowd. Despite sustained pressure from the Atlas Lions, the Super Eagles created chances of their own but were unable to find a breakthrough.
Omokri noted that the magnitude of the challenge made Nigeria’s display even more commendable.
“It is worth stating that they played against a home squad that has never lost a home game in sixteen years. Yet, with all that pressure, they still gave it their best measure,” he added.
The match was eventually decided by penalties, where Morocco triumphed 4–2, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero after saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive penalty to send the home fans into celebration and book the Atlas Lions’ place in the AFCON final.
Despite the heartbreak, Omokri applauded the Super Eagles for their unity, discipline and determination throughout the tournament, urging Nigerians to celebrate the team’s effort rather than dwell on the outcome.
“Well done, Super Eagles!” he concluded.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final as they continue their quest for a second AFCON title, 50 years after lifting the trophy for the first time in 1976.
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