• Eric Chelle backs Samuel Chukwueze after AFCON 2025 semi-final exit
• Coach insists winger is Nigeria’s best penalty taker
• Crowd pressure blamed for shootout defeat to Morocco
• Super Eagles shift focus to Egypt third-place playoff

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has thrown his full support behind Samuel Chukwueze following Nigeria’s painful penalty shootout loss to Morocco at the AFCON 2025 semi-final, insisting the winger remains the team’s most reliable spot-kick specialist.

Nigeria’s dream of reaching another Africa Cup of Nations final ended in disappointment after a tense goalless draw and a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat.

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The shootout turned against the Super Eagles when Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, sparking heavy criticism from sections of Nigerian fans.

However, Eric Chelle was quick to defend Chukwueze, making it clear the miss does not reflect the winger’s true quality.

“Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker in the team. In training, he never misses — maybe one in 400,”Chelle told reporters ahead of the third-place playoff.

Coach Blames Crowd Pressure

Chelle also pointed to the intense atmosphere created by Morocco’s home supporters, describing it as a major factor in the outcome of the shootout.

“The feeling was different for every player. Maybe it was the crowd,” he added.

“If we take those penalties in Uyo, Abuja or Lagos, we win for sure.”

The Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah was packed with Moroccan fans, creating an intimidating setting that Chelle believes swung the balance during the shootout.

Focus Turns to Egypt Clash

Despite the heartbreak, Nigeria will now turn attention to Saturday’s AFCON 2025 third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca, hoping to end the tournament on a positive note.

Chelle urged calm around Chukwueze, stressing that penalty misses are part of football and should not erase a player’s overall contribution to the team.