Former Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Claude Le Roy has suggested that Nigeria played a key role in Senegal’s triumph over Morocco in the final of the 2025 AFCON, arguing that the Atlas Lions were left physically and mentally exhausted after a gruelling semi-final clash with the Super Eagles.
Le Roy, who guided Cameroon to AFCON glory in 1988, praised Morocco as the most consistent and impressive team throughout the tournament but maintained that the heavy demands of facing Nigeria ultimately took their toll in the final.
Morocco secured their place in the final following a marathon semi-final against Nigeria that stretched beyond two hours and was decided by a penalty shootout. The Atlas Lions won 4–2 on penalties after efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi were saved.
According to Le Roy, the draining nature of that encounter dulled Morocco’s edge when they faced a fresher Senegal side in the final.
“The best team over the course of this AFCON was Morocco, but the best team in the final was Senegal,” Le Roy said on Canal+. “Morocco pushed themselves very hard in the semi-final against a strong Nigerian team, especially with a long penalty shootout that lasted around two hours. That affected them, and in the end Senegal played better.”
Nigeria’s campaign was impressive despite falling short of the final. The Super Eagles won all five of their matches prior to the semi-final and finished the tournament as top scorers with 14 goals. Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen combined to be involved in 13 of those strikes.
Against Morocco, however, Nigeria adopted a more cautious and disciplined approach, frustrating the Atlas Lions with a solid defensive display. While Morocco managed to contain Osimhen and Lookman, the effort required to overcome Nigeria appeared to leave them slower and less sharp in the final.
Morocco had been one of the standout sides of the competition, showcasing organisation, quality and attacking flair throughout the tournament. But as Le Roy observed, the cumulative fatigue from the semi-final ultimately proved costly.
Nigeria went on to claim third place after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero by saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to cap a strong tournament for the Super Eagles.