AFCON: Chelle Defends Chukwueze Penalty Call Despite Morocco Defeat

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to introduce Samuel Chukwueze for Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco, insisting the winger was selected on the basis of training performance and statistical data.

Nigeria crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday, losing 4–2 on penalties after a tense, goalless draw that stretched through 120 minutes.

Chukwueze, who was introduced late in extra time specifically for the shootout, missed his spot-kick, while Bruno Onyemaechi also failed from the penalty mark as Morocco sealed a place in the final.

The substitution sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many fans questioning Chelle’s decision to bring on Chukwueze, whose only involvement in the match was the missed penalty.

Addressing the issue at his post-match press conference, Chelle said the choice was informed by repeated penalty drills during training and a review of players’ conversion rates.

“I put Chukwueze for the penalty session because we did work in all training sessions for the penalties.

“With the statistics, the guys who kicked penalties were the best during the warm-ups; that is why we have these guys on the pitch.”

Chelle added that every player selected to take a penalty in the shootout ranked among the squad’s most reliable takers in practice.

The defeat reopened painful memories for Nigeria, with penalties again proving decisive at a major tournament.

In November 2025, the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the final of the African play-offs, a result that denied them a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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