AFCON 2025: We Trained For Penalties, Chelle Insists After Super Eagles Exit
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that Nigeria prepared extensively for penalties ahead of their semi-final clash with hosts, Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the right players were selected despite the shoot-out defeat.
Nigeria’s hopes of lifting the trophy ended on Wednesday night after losing 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw after 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Chelle defended his tactical decisions and the choice of penalty takers, stating that spot-kicks had been a major focus throughout the team’s preparations.
“We worked in every training session on penalties, and the players who took the kicks were the best performers over the past month. That is why we selected them,” Chelle said.
The shoot-out began brightly for the Super Eagles when Morocco’s Hamza Igamane saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after Neil El Aynaoui had put the hosts ahead. Paul Onuachu calmly converted Nigeria’s first kick to level the score.
However, Nigeria failed to capitalise on that advantage. Samuel Chukwueze, introduced late in extra time partly for the penalty situation, had his effort saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted Nigeria’s third kick, Bruno Onyemaechi’s attempt was also denied, paving the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to score the decisive penalty and send Morocco into the final.
Chelle admitted his side did not reach their usual technical level but praised the players’ commitment and mentality.
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“The match was never easy, but the players showed a strong mental response and fought for every ball. Losing on penalties is very painful,” he said.
“From a technical point of view, we were not at the same level we showed in other matches. We lacked movement and power, but that’s football. We must continue working.”
The coach also explained his tactical adjustments, noting that Nigeria altered their usual 4-4-2 diamond formation to cope with Morocco’s intensity and home support.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final and claiming a fourth continental title. The Super Eagles, champions in 2013, will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff in Casablanca on Saturday.