AFCON 2025: Why Chukwueze played penalty against Morocco – Chelle

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained why Samuel Chukwueze took a penalty against Morocco in the semi-final defeat to Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chukwueze had the chance to put Nigeria 2-1 up during the shoot-out, but shot tamely at the goalkeeper.

Bruno Onyemaechi also missed his kick as Chelle’s men lost 4-2 via penalties to the Atlas Lions.

Chelle has refused to blame Chukwueze for the defeat, insisting the winger is one of the best at penalties in training.

He said: “We put Chukwueze for a penalties because the guys who kicked the penalties were the best in training.”

On the general performance of the Eagles, Chelle said: “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.”

AFCON 2025: Why Chukwueze played penalty against Morocco – Chelle