Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained the decision to allow Samuel Chukwueze take a penalty during Nigeria’s shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria lost 4-2 on penalties to Morocco after the match ended goalless in regulation and extra time.
Chukwueze missed Nigeria’s second kick in the shootout, while Bruno Onyemaechi also failed to convert.
Morocco sealed the win through Youssef En-Nesyri after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved efforts from Chukwueze and Onyemaechi.
Speaking after the match, Chelle said Chukwueze was selected based on performances in training.
“We put Chukwueze for penalties because the guys who kicked the penalties were the best in training,” he said.
The coach declined to single out the winger for blame, maintaining confidence in his ability from the spot.
On the team’s overall display, Chelle said the performance did not match that of the previous game.
“Our technicality was not like the same from last match. I don’t want to say we were tired but that’s not the level,” he said.
Following the defeat, reactions from Nigerian supporters were mixed.
While some acknowledged the team’s effort against Morocco, others criticised Chukwueze for missing his penalty and questioned his role in future matches.
Several fans took to the X platform to express their views, with some calling for changes to the team’s penalty takers and others directing criticism at senior players for not stepping up during the shootout.
Morocco will now face Senegal in the final of the tournament, while Nigeria exits the competition at the semi-final stage.
