Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed why he chose Samuel Chukwueze to take a penalty against Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semifinals, adding that the forward would have scored if the shootout was played in Lagos.
“Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker of the team, he never misses in training, maybe out of 400,” Chelle said in his pre match conference.
He added that the feeling to take a penalty is different for every player, citing the crowd as a factor.
Chelle believes the outcome might have been different if the penalties were taken in Nigeria.
“I think if we play the penalties in Uyo, Abuja or Lagos, we win for sure,” he said, implying that the atmosphere at the stadium affected the players’ performance.
Chukwueze was brought on late in extra time specifically for the penalty shootout, a decision Chelle defended, stating it was based on the players’ training performances.
Despite Chukwueze’s reputation as a reliable penalty taker, he missed his spot kick, contributing to Nigeria’s 4-2 loss in the shootout.
