CAN 2025 – semi-final / Nigeria – Morocco: Osayi-Samuel criticizes refereeing after elimination

Knocked out on penalties by Morocco in the CAN 2025 semi-finals, Nigeria left the pitch frustrated after a match they believed was within their grasp. In the mixed zone, Bright Osayi-Samuel let his barely contained anger show, directly targeting the refereeing after a tense encounter that went down to the wire.

"The refereeing was deplorable. It's really a shame that we still have referees like this today in such an important competition. We work hard to represent our country, but when decisions on the pitch aren't fair, it destroys the spirit of football. We deserve better than this."

The Nigerian also highlighted his team's defensive solidity.

Also read: CAN 2025 – semi-final / Nigeria – Morocco: Morocco reach final after penalty shootout

But the assessment remains mixed. While Nigeria controlled possession for stretches, they never managed to recapture the dominance they showed earlier in the tournament. What's more, Morocco can also harbor regrets after a questionable penalty was not awarded in the 80th minute. The Atlas Lions will now face Senegal in the final—a mouth-watering clash at the summit.