The drums sounded louder, and the lights shone brighter on Wednesday night, even as Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations dream came to a painful end.

At the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Dopemu, Lagos, Nigerian Breweries Plc once again brought fans together through Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Light, reinforcing the message that support for the Nigeria Super Eagles goes beyond results.

Following the success of the first edition staged during Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria, the festival returned bigger and bolder for the much-anticipated semi-final clash against hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. The buzz generated over the weekend signalled that Wednesday’s viewing would attract an even larger crowd, and preparations were scaled up accordingly.

Fans arrived early, instant prizes were increased, and ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer — including Goldberg Black — flowed freely as supporters settled in for a dramatic football night.

Even before Nigeria took centre stage, the atmosphere was already building. Supporters trooped in from the first semi-final between Senegal and Egypt, with DJ Y.K setting the tone as the Teranga Lions edged past the Pharaohs by a lone goal. Once that match ended, attention quickly shifted to the main event: Nigeria versus Morocco.

Anxiety in the air as fans went through the pulsating 120 minutes of the Nigeria and Morocco match at the viewing arena provided by Goldberg Lager Beer.

The Festival of Drums and Light again delivered a vibrant blend of football, music and culture. The venue glowed in Goldberg’s signature gold as drums, chants, and familiar supporters’ songs echoed through the arena, reinforcing the brand’s Our Beat, Our Gold campaign — a celebration of how Nigerians experience football together.

Crowd pleaser, Teni, entertaining the fans during the semifinal match between Nigeria and Morocco in Lagos at the Goldberg viewing experience centre

On the pitch, the Super Eagles matched the energy with a spirited and disciplined performance. After 120 minutes of tense football, the semi-final was decided by penalties. Nigeria fell 2–4 in the shootout, with Morocco converting through Hamza Igamane, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef El-Nesyri. Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored Nigeria’s spot-kicks, while Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their efforts saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The heartbreak was real, but so was the unity.

As the decisive penalty was saved, Hypeman Advantage quickly stepped in, keeping the crowd engaged and spirits high. His intervention ensured the Goldberg experience remained intact, even in defeat. Popular singer Teni later took the stage, performing after the emotionally draining extra time and penalty drama, helping to lift the mood and turn disappointment into shared reflection.

Speaking after the event, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Laolu Babalola, said the night captured the true spirit of Nigerian football fans.

“This is exactly what Our Beat, Our Gold stands for,” Babalola said. “Football gives us joy and sometimes heartbreak, but what never changes is how fans show up. Even after a tough result, Nigerians stayed together, supported the team and shared the moment. Goldberg is proud to stand with them.”

Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun, said the semi-final experience highlighted football’s deeper role in Nigerian life.

“What we witnessed here goes beyond the scoreboard,” Aroyehun noted. “Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Light is about community, culture and connection. Even in disappointment, fans found comfort in togetherness, and that is powerful.”

For many supporters, the festival itself became a source of consolation.

“We were hurt, no doubt,” said fan Musa Abdullahi, holding a bottle of Goldberg. “But sitting here together, watching the game, drinking Goldberg and listening to music made it easier to accept. The boys tried, and we are still proud.”

The Festival of Drums and Light forms part of Goldberg’s wider Our Beat, Our Gold campaign, which has followed the Super Eagles throughout AFCON 2025 with viewing centres, cultural activations and fan experiences across Lagos and beyond. As one of the longest-standing sponsors of Nigerian football, the brand has continued to place fans at the heart of the journey.

Though the Super Eagles fell just short of the AFCON final, Goldberg reaffirmed its commitment to both team and supporters.

“Win or lose, we stand together,” Aroyehun said. “That rhythm, that belief, that community — it is gold.”

On a night of missed chances and shattered dreams, Goldberg’s drums still beat, its lights still shone, and Nigerian football fans were reminded that their passion endures, even in heartbreak.

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Nigerian billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, has applauded the Super Eagles for their spirit and determination at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and confirmed he will fulfil his pledged $500,000 reward to the team despite their semi-final exit.

Nigeria bowed out of the tournament on Wednesday night after losing 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco, following a goalless 120 minutes in Rabat. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the final but did little to dampen praise for their overall campaign.

In a message to the players and officials, Rabiu commended their courage, unity and commitment, insisting that the outcome did not diminish the pride they had given Nigerians throughout the competition.

“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch,” Rabiu said. “Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud. The spirit, passion and unity you displayed are what truly matter.”

He added that his $500,000 pledge would still be honoured as recognition of the team’s hard work, dedication and the joy they brought to the nation, urging the players to keep their heads high and draw strength from the experience.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca on Saturday, as they seek to cap a strong AFCON campaign with a bronze medal.

Nigeria’s squad arrived in Casablanca on Thursday and commenced preparations for the playoff, with coaching staff focused on lifting morale after the narrow semi-final setback and ensuring the team finishes the tournament on a positive note.

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The Nigeria Football Federation has praised the Super Eagles for their run to the semi-finals of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the campaign as one driven by commitment, discipline, passion and resilience.

Nigeria’s bid for a place in the final ended on Wednesday night after a tense, goalless semi-final against hosts Morocco, settled by a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat following 120 minutes of regulation and extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Reacting to the outcome, NFF President and WAFU B President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, called on the squad to put the disappointment behind them and refocus ahead of Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca.

Gusau said penalty shootouts remained unpredictable, noting that Nigeria had benefitted from the same situation two years ago but fell on the wrong side this time. He stressed that the federation remained proud of the team’s performance, highlighting that the Super Eagles are still the tournament’s highest-scoring side.

“The NFF is proud of the output of the team at this championship,” Gusau said. “They gave their best, navigated several challenges and played their game. Now we want them to lift their morale and go all out for the bronze so they can take something tangible from a tournament in which they have done so well.”

Nigeria departed Rabat for Casablanca on Thursday afternoon and were scheduled to hold an evening training session open to the media, with Friday’s official training allowing media access for the opening 15 minutes.

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