Ibadan, Jan. 15, 2026 (NAN) A sports analyst, Tayo Balogun, has faulted the officiating in the Super Eagles’ semi-final clash against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as biased against Nigeria.
Balogun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ibadan that his assessment was objective and not influenced by allegiance to the Eagles.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to Morocco after regulation time ended goalless on Wednesday night.
According to Balogun, the referee appeared lenient toward the Moroccans, often ignoring fouls committed by them while penalising Nigerian players for minimal contact.
He said such decisions gave Morocco a psychological and tactical advantage during the encounter.
Balogun said, “The referee to me appeared more partial towards the Moroccans; when they made fouls he wouldn’t blow, and when we touched them slightly he blew for a foul.
“When you look at all these situations, of course they have a way of turning them to their advantage as well.”
Balogun commended the Super Eagles’ overall performance in spite of the loss, saying the team played with confidence and character.
“When you look at the way the Eagles played, I’m proud of them and I think they did quite well, and everybody gets wiser after a situation.
“After a situation, everyone always has an opinion that maybe if we had done this or done that, but notwithstanding, it was a good game for the Eagles.
“They played well, and that match was the first match in the tournament in which the Moroccans went through 90 minutes of play without scoring, but our players did well,” he said.
Balogun, however, criticised Nigeria’s lack of preparation for a possible penalty shootout, saying that the outcome was predictable given the nature of the game.
He said penalty shootouts required proper planning, mental strength and experience, adding that Nigeria showed little evidence of adequate preparation.
He described the penalties taken by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemachi as below standard, saying that Chukwueze, usually reliable, appeared unsettled on the night.
Balogun commended the Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle, for improving the team’s style of play, noting the Eagles now display confidence, flair and attacking intent reminiscent of earlier successful eras.
He supported retaining the coach in spite of initial reservations about appointing a foreign manager, citing the team’s progress and results.
“He has done very well. He guided the team close to World Cup qualification and into the AFCON semi-finals. Those are significant achievements that deserve recognition,” he said.
Balogun also urged the government and football authorities to take football administration more seriously, blaming frequent coaching changes and poor planning for Nigeria’s struggles.
He said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must provide stability, clear planning and adequate support for coaches, especially with major tournaments held on fixed cycles.
“In two years, we’ve had three to four coaches. That shows poor planning.
“When you appoint a coach, give him the tools and the confidence that you have his backing,” he stressed.
NAN reports that Morocco will face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria will play Egypt in the third-place playoff (NAN)
