Morocco Defeat Nigeria on Penalties to Eeach AFCON Final

Morocco have reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw that extended into extra time.

The semi-final, officiated by Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, was loaded by defensive discipline and tactical restraint, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes.

Nigeria enjoyed periods of possession and attacking intent through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but were unable to find a way past a well-organised Moroccan defence.

Morocco posed the greater threat in open play, forcing several interventions from Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who denied Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli. At the other end, Bono remained alert to keep out Lookman’s first-half effort.

The pattern of the match remained largely unchanged in extra time, despite substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy.

Osimhen was withdrawn late on for Paul Onuachu as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, but clear chances were limited as fatigue became evident.

The tie was decided in the penalty shoot-out, where Morocco converted through Nabil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En Nesyri.

Nigeria stayed in contention via successful spot-kicks from Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but missed efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.

Hakimi’s composed penalty, followed by En Nesyri’s successful strike, sealed victory for the Atlas Lions and ended Nigeria’s AFCON campaign at the semi-final stage.

Morocco will face Senegal in the final of AFCON 2025 at 8pm on Sunday, January 18.

SAGE Nexus Hub CEO Pushes AI Awareness, Unveils Plans to Train 500 Bayelsa Youths

SAGE Nexus Hub founder, Onowode Tobore Derick, has restated his commitment to equipping young people across Bayelsa State with digital and innovation skills, insisting that technology is “ the now big thing ” and young creatives must seize the opportunities it offers. Speaking on Tuesday at the Bayelsa Creatives Converse (BCC) 2.0, held at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Tobore announced the progress of the ongoing TechForward Bayelsa programme, an initiative aimed at training 500 young people in digital skills by the end of 2026. He said the first cohort of 50 participants had successfully completed their training, with another 50 set to resume in January 2026. The programme, he noted, covers artificial intelligence, digital marketing, software engineering, graphic design and a range of emerging tech skills. Tobore explained that the training sits at the heart of SAGE Nexus Hub’s wider mission of nurturing the next generation of innovators. The Yenagoa-based hub provides co-working ...

Bayelsa Acquires Two Aircraft for Commercial Operations

Bayelsa State has taken a major step towards boosting air travel and economic activity as it acquires two aircraft for commercial flight operations at the Bayelsa International Airport . Governor Douye Diri disclosed the acquisition on Monday when he received the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora , Dr. Tin Louise-George , at Government House, Yenagoa , during his maiden visit to Nigeria . Diri stated that the aircraft, already procured by the state government, would soon arrive and begin daily flights between Yenagoa, Lagos , and Abuja , adding that the move was aimed at making the state-owned airport more viable and self-sustaining. " We are working on ensuring regular, daily flights from Yenagoa to Lagos and Abuja. We had an arrangement with a private airline that became unsustainable, leaving the airport underutilised. Now, we have taken the bull by the horn. Two aircraft have been acquired and will soon begin commercial operations ," the Governor said. A...

New Recruits in Bayelsa Information Ministry Told to Embrace Professionalism

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, has charged newly recruited Information Officers to approach their roles with professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to public service. Addressing the fresh employees on Friday during her maiden meeting with them in Yenagoa, Koku-Obiyai said their appointment was a demonstration of the state government’s resolve to strengthen its information machinery and ensure a more effective, result-driven public service. Describing the opportunity as a rare privilege, she urged the recruits to justify the confidence reposed in them by embracing diligence, discipline and a strong work ethic, while warning that the Ministry would not tolerate lateness, absenteeism or any form of indiscipline. The Commissioner further revealed plans to introduce in-house training, particularly in areas such as Public Relations and media engagement, to enhance their capacity and performance. Also speaki...

Search This Blog