Nigeria 0-0 Morocco Player Ratings: Noussair Mazraoui Rated 8.5/10 as Atlas Lions Win Dramatic Penalty Shootout After Frustrating Draw

Nigeria and Morocco played out a tense and balanced AFCON semi-final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in normal or extra time. It was a tactical chess match, defined by defensive discipline and cautious build-up, as both teams prioritised structure over risk on a night where margins were razor-thin.

The Morocco National football team looked the more composed side across the 120 minutes. The Atlas Lions enjoyed longer spells of possession and fashioned the clearer chances, coming agonisingly close when Nayef Aguerd’s header struck the post in extra time.

Nigeria remained organised and resilient but struggled to turn their transitions into clear-cut opportunities. With the deadlock unbroken, the contest was decided from the spot. Yassine Bounou rose to the occasion, producing two outstanding saves in the shootout, before Achraf Hakimi calmly converted the decisive penalty to book Morocco’s place in the AFCON final.

It was a cruel end for Nigeria, but a deserved triumph for Morocco, whose control and composure ultimately told. Here’s a closer look at the Nigeria vs Morocco Player Ratings from this dramatic semi-final.

Key Takeaways

• A tactical stalemate defined the match, with both sides defensively solid and chances at a premium over 120 minutes.

• Morocco edged the balance of play, creating the clearer openings, including Aguerd’s extra-time effort off the post.

• Penalty shootout composure proved decisive, as Bounou’s saves and Hakimi’s calm finish sent Morocco into the final.

Morocco Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Let's take a look at the Morocco Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Yassine Bounou - 8.5: He didn't have a huge amount to do for 120 minutes, making one save. But when the moment came, he delivered in the biggest way possible. His two saves in the penalty shootout were absolutely magnificent. He read both shots perfectly and showed why he is considered one of the best. A true match-winner.

Defenders

Achraf Hakimi - 8.0: A real captain's performance from the full-back. He was a constant threat down the right, creating a big chance and whipping in ten crosses. Defensively, he was solid, winning six duels. To then step up and coolly score the winning penalty showed immense character. A top-class display.

Noussair Mazraoui - 8.5: From our perspective, the best player on the pitch over the 120 minutes. He was simply immense at both ends of the field. He won an incredible 13 of his 18 duels, made three successful tackles, and was a driving force going forward. An all-action performance of the highest quality.

Nayef Aguerd - 8.0: A rock at the heart of the defence. His passing was crisp and accurate, and he was dominant in the air. He was so unlucky not to be the hero in extra time when his powerful header struck the post. He completely nullified the threat of Nigeria's forwards.

Adam Masina - 7.0: A solid and reliable performance from the defender. He didn't venture forward much, instead focusing on his defensive duties, which he performed flawlessly. He was composed on the ball and didn't put a foot wrong all night. A quietly effective game.

Midfielders

Brahim Díaz - 5.5: A frustrating evening for the talented attacker. We noticed he was trying to make things happen, but his final ball was often lacking. He lost a staggering 12 duels and missed a big chance. It just wasn't his night, and he was rightly substituted.

Ismael Saibari - 7.5: A bundle of energy and skill in the Moroccan midfield. He was excellent in his duels, winning seven of nine, and always looked to drive his team forward. He tested the keeper with a good shot and was a key creative outlet before being replaced late on.

Abde Ezzalzouli - 7.5: He was a livewire on the wing for over 100 minutes. His direct running caused Nigeria problems, and he forced the goalkeeper into two saves. He drew several fouls and was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition's defence. A very positive contribution.

Bilal El Khannouss - 7.0: Showed maturity beyond his years during his 84 minutes on the pitch. He created two chances for his teammates and was tenacious in the tackle, winning four of them. A very promising and well-rounded display that showed his quality.

Neil El Aynaoui - 8.0: A fantastic midfield performance across the entire 120 minutes. His pass accuracy was near-perfect, he won nine duels, and made four crucial interceptions. He also stepped up first in the shootout and confidently scored. A complete midfield showing.

Forwards

Ayoub El Kaabi - 6.0: It was a tough, thankless task for the lone striker. He worked tirelessly and battled for every ball, winning a respectable six duels. However, he was often isolated and couldn't get any clear sights of goal. He put in a shift but lacked a clinical edge.

Substitutes

Oussama Targhalline - 6.5: Came on and added fresh legs to the midfield battle. Hamza Igamane - 5.0: Worked hard but had his penalty saved. Youssef En-Nesyri - 6.0: Added a physical presence late on. Ilias Akhomach - N/A. Eliesse Ben Seghir - 7.0: Came on late and showed nerves of steel to score his penalty.

Manager

W. Regragui - 7.5: His game plan worked to perfection. He set his team up to be defensively impenetrable, and they completely stifled Nigeria's attack. His side controlled the game and held their nerve when it mattered most. A tactical masterclass.

Nigeria Player Ratings vs Morocco

Let's take a deeper look at the Nigeria Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali - 8.0: A heroic performance in a losing effort. He made five saves during the match to keep his team in it, including some excellent stops. He then came up with a big save in the shootout. He could do nothing about the other penalties and can hold his head high.

Defenders

Bright Osayi-Samuel - 7.0: A warrior-like performance at the back. He was engaged in a fierce battle all night and came out on top more often than not, winning 12 duels. He made a remarkable seven tackles and never stopped running for 120 minutes. A really committed display.

Semi Ajayi - 7.5: Commanded the backline with authority. He was a monster in terms of clearing danger, making 11 clearances. His distribution was also excellent, playing out from the back with confidence. An error led to a shot, but otherwise, he was nearly flawless.

Calvin Bassey - 7.5: An absolute colossus. He had a massive 139 touches, showcasing his involvement in the game. He made 11 clearances, won eight duels, and was a dominant force. The yellow card was a minor blemish on an otherwise outstanding defensive performance.

Bruno Onyemaechi - 7.0: Had a fantastic game for 120 minutes. He was a machine down the left side, winning 14 duels and making an incredible eight tackles. It was a heartbreaking end for him to have his penalty saved, but it shouldn't overshadow what a superb individual performance.

Midfielders

Frank Onyeka - 6.5: He did the dirty work in midfield effectively. He provided a solid screen for his defence, making three interceptions and a couple of tackles. It was an industrious, if unspectacular, performance. He put in a real shift for the team.

Alex Iwobi - 5.5: He was on the ball a lot but was extremely wasteful. Losing possession 20 times is far too high for a player in his position. He struggled to make an impact and lost the vast majority of his duels. A very disappointing showing.

Raphael Onyedika - 5.0: A game to forget for the midfielder. He was largely anonymous and struggled against the Moroccan midfield, losing 10 of his 12 duels. He picked up a needless yellow card before being substituted. He just couldn't get into the game.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman - 6.0: He showed flashes of danger but ultimately couldn't provide the spark Nigeria needed. He had a shot on target but was often on the periphery of the game. It was a night of hard work with very little end product to show for it.

Victor Osimhen - 5.0: As the captain and talisman, this was a very poor performance. He was completely marked out of the game by Morocco's defence, managing only 26 touches in 118 minutes. He looked isolated and frustrated, offering almost no threat. A really quiet night.

Akor Adams - 4.5: A truly difficult night for the striker. From our perspective, he was the worst performer on the pitch. He lost possession 23 times, was dispossessed six times, and won just a handful of his 16 duels. He looked completely off the pace and offered nothing.

Substitutes

Moses Simon - 6.0: Brought on to add some pace but couldn't change the game. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru - 6.5: Scored his penalty well under pressure. Paul Onuachu - 6.5: Also converted his penalty. Samuel Chukwueze - 5.0: Came on for the shootout and saw his penalty saved.

Manager

É. Chelle - 6.0: His defensive setup was excellent, holding a talented Moroccan team scoreless for 120 minutes. However, his team offered next to nothing in an attacking sense. The forwards were isolated, and the game plan seemed entirely focused on not conceding, which ultimately backfired.

Player of the Match

Noussair Mazraoui was Sportsdunia's man of the match.

Worst Performer

Akor Adams of Nigeria was the worst performer in the Nigeria vs Morocco.