‘Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker’ — Chelle defends Super Eagles star after AFCON 2025 miss

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended Samuel Chukwueze after Nigeria’s heartbreaking AFCON 2025 semi-final exit on penalties to Morocco.

As attention turns to the third-place playoff against Egypt, Chelle insists the winger remains the team’s most trusted man from the spot.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final were dashed at the intimidating Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, where the Super Eagles were eliminated by hosts Morocco after a tense goalless draw over 120 minutes.

The semi-final was settled in a penalty shootout, with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making decisive saves from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Despite the criticism that followed, Chelle was emphatic in his support for Chukwueze, stressing that the miss does not define his ability.

“Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker of the team, he never misses in training, maybe out of 400,” the coach said while addressing the media ahead of the Egypt clash. Chelle also pointed to the unique pressures of the occasion, adding, “The feeling to take for every player was different, maybe the crowd.”

Chelle further highlighted the impact of Morocco’s home advantage on the shootout outcome, suggesting the environment played a decisive role.

“I think if we play the penalties in Uyo, Abuja or Lagos, we win for sure,” he said, underlining how crowd support can swing fine margins at the elite level.

Public reaction to Chukwueze’s miss has been intense, with many Nigerian fans condemning the Fulham star for his unfortunate miss.

Nigeria will now shift focus to Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, aiming to end their AFCON 2025 campaign with a podium finish while drawing lessons from a painful semi-final exit.