Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has launched a stinging critique of Moroccan star Brahim Diaz following his missed penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Ighalo questioned the Real Madrid forward’s decision to attempt a risky “Panenka” chip during the final seconds of regulation time, effectively gambling with the hopes of millions of supporters.
The match, hosted in Morocco, reached a fever pitch when the referee awarded the Atlas Lions a last-minute spot-kick, offering them the chance to clinch the trophy on home soil.
Instead of securing victory, Diaz’s weak effort floated directly into the arms of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who stood his ground to deny the host nation. Ighalo, providing analysis for SuperSport, argued that such high-pressure moments require clinical execution rather than stylistic flair. The veteran striker expressed disbelief that a player of Diaz’s caliber would choose to experiment with a chip when a powerful strike would have likely ended Morocco’s 50-year wait for a continental title.
The momentum shifted dramatically after the miss, as a revitalized Senegal squad found a new level of confidence heading into extra time. Pape Gueye eventually settled the contest with a spectacular left-footed strike in the first half of the additional period, securing the trophy for the West Africans. While Nigeria had already claimed the bronze medal a day earlier, the fallout from the final continues to center on Diaz’s decision-making and the emotional toll the loss took on the host nation.
Ighalo said on SuperSport: “And in this kind of game, it’s just one minute to finish the game. You don’t try this. Just have to hit it hard and win the game.”
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