Super Eagles manager Éric Chelle has publicly shielded Samuel Chukwueze from the wave of criticism following Nigeria’s semifinal exit. The AC Milan winger faced immediate backlash after Morocco’s veteran goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, comfortably saved his effort during the decisive shootout.
Nigeria eventually succumbed to a 4-2 penalty defeat against the Atlas Lions after 120 minutes of play ended in a goalless stalemate. Alongside Chukwueze, defender Bruno Onyemaechi also failed to convert his spot-kick, ending the Super Eagles’ pursuit of the 2025 AFCON trophy.
Despite the high-profile miss, Chelle insisted that the winger remains the most reliable specialist within the Nigerian squad. The coach suggested that external factors, particularly the overwhelming atmosphere generated by the Moroccan home supporters, influenced the outcome more than a lack of skill. Chelle expressed total confidence in his player’s technical ability and maintained that the result would likely have favored Nigeria under different environmental conditions.
The coaching staff now shifts its focus toward the third-place match, aiming to protect the morale of the squad after the intense pressure of the Rabat semifinal. Chelle emphasized that training ground performance usually translates to match success, but the unique psychological demands of a continental semifinal played in front of a hostile crowd can affect even the most consistent players.
Chelle told reporters: “Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker of the team, he never misses in training, maybe out of 400 but the feeling to take for every player was different, maybe the crowd. I think if we play the penalties in Uyo, Abuja or Lagos, we win for sure.”
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