Striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored his ninth goal of the tournament as hosts Morocco annihilated ten-man Nigeria 4-0 to win the 2018 African Nations Championship on a wet Sunday evening in Casablanca.
The Atlas Lions were made to wait until the dot of half time before going in front through enterprising winger Zakaria Hadraf.
Jamal Sellami’s men then received a major boost early in the second half when Nigeria’s debutant, Peter Eneji received a second caution for an indiscretionary foul.
They took full advantage of their extra man on 61 minutes through Walid El Karti who pounced on a rebound after Ajiboye spilled Abdeljalil Jibira’s effort.
Two soon became three just three minutes later through Hadraf, the Raja Casablanca star netting his second of the night.
With the Nigerians totally lost and submissive after the third, the Atlas Lions took turns to pepper their goalmouth with another goal only a matter of time from arriving.
The goal did arrive seventeen minutes from time for tournament’s leading light El Kaabi who poked home from close range. It was a fully deserved one for the Racing Club striker who had hit the frame of the post twice in the final.
Victory ensured Morocco achieve a first ever continental trophy at this stage on home soil.
Fisayo Dairo, reporting from Casablanca.
