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‘Ah Chukwueze’: Teni cries as Super Eagles lost to Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final match (Video)
A wave of emotions swept through social media on Wednesday night after a video surfaced showing popular Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, professionally known as Teni, breaking down in tears following the Super Eagles’ exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria’s campaign came to a painful end after the Super Eagles fell 4–2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in their AFCON semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
The encounter ended goalless after 120 minutes of intense football, forcing the contest to be decided from the spot.
Although the scoreline suggested a balanced contest, Morocco largely controlled proceedings, registering 16 goal attempts compared to Nigeria’s two.
Still, the Super Eagles stayed alive thanks to an inspired performance from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who matched Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou save for save during regulation time and extra time.
Nigeria’s attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman struggled to find space against a well-organised Moroccan defence. The hosts were marshalled superbly by captain Achraf Hakimi at right-back, with Noussair Mazraoui equally influential on the opposite flank, combining defensive solidity with attacking thrust.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, penalties followed, and it was Morocco who held their nerve. Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to convert the winning kick, sealing a place in the final for the Atlas Lions.
Nigeria’s hopes faded after Samuel Chukwueze missed his effort and Bruno Onyemaechi was denied, while Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were the only Super Eagles players to score from the spot.
As fans across the country struggled to process the heartbreak, Teni’s reaction quickly became a talking point online. In a video shared on her Instagram page, the singer was seen crying uncontrollably, leaning beside an elderly security guard as she vented her frustration over Nigeria’s penalty miss.
Clearly emotional, Teni appeared particularly upset with Chukwueze’s penalty, openly expressing her displeasure in the clip. She captioned the video with a mix of humour and anger, writing:
“CHUKWUEZE I SWEAR MAKE I NO JUST TALK😡 YOU GO SEE ME FOR DREAM THIS NIGHT.”
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The singer later sparked further concern after another video emerged showing her receiving drips in a hospital, suggesting she suffered a health scare in the aftermath of Nigeria’s loss.
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Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final as they chase only their second AFCON title, having last won the tournament in 1976. Nigeria, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as it prepares for Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt, which narrowly lost to Senegal in the other semi-final.
For many fans, celebrities included, the defeat was more than just a football result, and Teni’s emotional reaction captured the heartbreak felt by millions across the country.