Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to bring on Samuel Chukwueze late in Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final against Morocco, despite the winger missing his penalty in the decisive shootout.
Nigeria were eliminated 4–2 on penalties on Wednesday after a tense goalless draw over 120 minutes, failing to reach the final of the continental tournament. Misses from Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly as the Atlas Lions progressed.
Chukwueze was introduced during extra time specifically for the shootout, a move that sparked widespread criticism from fans on social media after his miss.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle said the decision was based strictly on training performance and statistical analysis.
“I brought on Chukwueze for the penalty shootout because we worked extensively on penalties in training,” Chelle explained.
“Based on the statistics, the players who took penalties were the best performers during training and warm-ups. That is why they were on the pitch.”
The coach stressed that all selected kick-takers had consistently delivered during practice sessions and that the outcome did not invalidate the process behind his choices.
Nigeria’s latest shootout heartbreak adds to recent disappointment, having also missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African playoff final in November 2025.
