Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the team was let down by questionable decisions from match officials during the semi-final clash against Morocco.
Nigeria lost the tense encounter 4-2 on penalties after both teams played out a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the final, despite what players and fans described as one of the team’s strongest performances in recent years.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s next fixture against Egypt on Saturday evening, the Fulham star shared his thoughts in a video message posted on social media. While congratulating Morocco for their victory, Iwobi made it clear that he and his teammates were unhappy with some of the officiating decisions during the match.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted against Morocco,” Iwobi said. “Credit to Morocco, congratulations to them. But we were skeptical because some of the decisions were not going our way.”
He added that there were moments during the game when the Super Eagles felt the officials made decisions that affected the flow and outcome of the match.
“There were some questionable things that the officials may have done that we believe otherwise,” he said.
Despite the frustration, Iwobi maintained a respectful tone, acknowledging Morocco’s effort and performance in the game.
“At the end of the day, congratulations to Morocco,” he said. “Obviously, we felt deeply disappointed that we could not qualify for the next round.”
Nigeria’s journey at the AFCON had been impressive before the semi-final defeat. The Super Eagles showed strong organisation, discipline, and attacking intent throughout the tournament, raising hopes among fans that the team could lift the trophy.
Many observers praised the team’s balance between experienced players and younger talents, as well as their improved teamwork and confidence on the pitch. For several supporters, the performance at this AFCON marked a positive shift after mixed results in recent international competitions.
Iwobi echoed this feeling, saying the players believed they were playing some of their best football in a long time.
“It’s a shame because we thought we were doing really well in this tournament,” he said. “It’s one of our best football performances we have played for a long time.”
The semi-final against Morocco was a tightly contested match, with both teams creating chances but failing to score during regulation time and extra time. Defenders and goalkeepers on both sides put in strong performances, keeping the scoreline goalless after 120 minutes.
The match was eventually decided by penalties, where Morocco converted four of their kicks, while Nigeria managed only two. The shootout loss proved painful for the Super Eagles, who were hoping to return to the AFCON final and add another title to their record.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most successful football nations, having won the AFCON three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Expectations are usually high whenever the Super Eagles participate in the tournament, and early exits or controversial defeats often attract strong reactions from fans and players alike.
Complaints about officiating are not new in African football. Over the years, several teams have raised concerns about refereeing decisions during major competitions. These issues have sometimes led to calls for better training, use of technology, and stronger oversight of match officials by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Although Iwobi did not point to any specific incident, his comments reflect a wider frustration within the Nigerian camp following the defeat. Many fans on social media also shared similar views, questioning some of the referees’ calls during the match.
The Super Eagles are now expected to shift their attention to upcoming matches, starting with the tie against Egypt. The game offers an opportunity for the team to regain confidence and end the tournament on a positive note.
Iwobi’s comments suggest that while the disappointment remains fresh, the players are determined to learn from the experience and move forward.
For many Nigerians, the semi-final loss will be remembered as a painful moment, but also as a sign that the Super Eagles are on the right path. The team’s strong showing has renewed belief among fans that with consistency, fair officiating, and continued support, Nigeria can soon return to the top of African football.