In the competition’s semi-final match, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw for over 120 minutes against hosts Morocco.
At Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, the Nigerian team played with just two players in the second half.
In the end, the Super Falcons’ hopes of winning a 10th WAFCON title were dashed by two red cards.
In the second half, Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade were both sent off for two vicious tackles, according to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN).
After the VAR intervention three minutes into the second half, Ayinde was the first player to be sent off.
The Falcons took the lead just 12 minutes after going down to 10 players due to an own goal by Yasmin Mrabet.
After Ifeoma Onumonu headed a wonderful cross from the right off the post, Ajibade was again involved in the buildup.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu pounced on the rebound to put the Falcons ahead in the 62nd minute after Mrabet deflected her shot into the net.
However, the advantage was short-lived as a mistake by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie allowed the Atlas Lionesses to equalize.
It was only a matter of time before things got even worse for Nigeria when the Falcons were reduced to nine players with 20 minutes to go following another VAR intervention.
With extra time on the horizon, the reigning champions were able to hold their own against the expectedly dominant Moroccans.
In the second half of extra time, the Super Falcons had a golden opportunity to win it, but substitute Gift Monday’s thunderous effort from outside the penalty box struck the post.
Even though the home team applied increasing amounts of pressure, they were unable to score, and the game went to penalties.
Only Onumonu’s kick went wide at the end, as Morocco won 5-4.
NAN also reports that goalkeeper Nnadozie received the woman-of-the-match award for her heroics in the face of adversity.
As a result, she couldn’t say a word during her post-match interview because she was so overcome with emotion.
Super Falcons will face Zambia in the third-place playoff on Friday as a result of the result
Saturday’s final match at the Stade Mohammed VI will pit Morocco against South Africa.
