Why I Selected Chukwueze For Penalty Shootout — Chelle

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has defended his decision to introduce Samuel Chukwueze late in extra time of Wednesday night’s 2025 AFCON Semifinal clash with Morocco, for Nigeria’s penalty shootout against the hosts, insisting that the move was based on statistics and performances in training.

Addressing the issue during his post-match press conference, Chelle said Chukwueze was among the most reliable penalty takers during training sessions, adding that his choice was guided by data.

“I put Chukwueze for the penalty session because we did work in all training sessions for the penalties,” the coach said.

“With the statistics, the guys who kicked penalties were the best during the warm-ups; that is why we had these guys on the pitch.”

LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to Morocco after a goalless 120 minutes in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, missing a place in the final.

Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both missed their spot kicks, sealing the Super Eagles’ defeat in the shootout.

Chukwueze was brought on shortly before the end of extra time, with his only involvement in the match being the missed penalty. The decision sparked criticism from many Nigerians on social media, who questioned Chelle’s late substitution.

Chelle also stressed that every player selected to take a penalty in the shootout had shown strong consistency during practice.

In November 2025, the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after a 4–3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the final of the African playoffs.