Head coach Eric Chelle has defended his controversial decisions during Nigeria's heartbreaking Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat to Morocco, stating that the players who missed their penalties were statistically the best takers in the squad.
Chelle's Statistical Justification for Penalty Selections
The Super Eagles' AFCON 2025 journey ended in agony on Wednesday in Rabat, losing 4-2 to hosts Morocco in a penalty shootout after a tense semi-final clash. The crucial misses came from substitutes Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, whose efforts were saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Chelle, explaining his late tactical changes in extra-time, revealed a data-driven approach. "Since the beginning of this Africa Cup of Nations, every day at every training session we have done penalty sessions," the coach said. "Statistically the players who took the penalties were the best, and that’s why we made changes to bring in the players who were going to shoot."
He specifically mentioned bringing on Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as the match headed towards penalties. The decision to replace star striker Victor Osimhen with Onuachu was also injury-related. "Victor had a small injury to his ankle, and that’s why we brought in Paul, who statistically was one of the best shooters of this period," Chelle disclosed.
The Shootout Drama and Aftermath
The coach's strategy initially seemed to work. Onuachu, the former Southampton striker, confidently scored Nigeria's first penalty. After goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved from Hamza Igamane, Chukwueze had a golden chance to put Nigeria ahead. However, his tame shot went straight into Bounou's arms.
Morocco then converted their remaining kicks, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the decisive penalty after Bounou saved Onyemaechi's attempt in an unorthodox manner. The result sends Morocco to Sunday's final against Senegal, while Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place play-off in Casablanca, with Osimhen's availability now in doubt.
Despite the crushing loss, the team received a significant morale boost from billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group. He praised the team's spirit and confirmed he would honour his financial pledge.
"You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch," Rabiu stated. "As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfil my pledge of $500,000."
Road to the Bronze Medal Match
The Super Eagles have now shifted their focus to securing a podium finish. The squad departed Rabat for Casablanca on Thursday afternoon for their bronze-medal match against Egypt. The team held a training session open to the media upon arrival, with another official session scheduled for Friday where media will be allowed access for the first 15 minutes.
As Nigeria prepares to end its tournament, the debate around Chelle's penalty selections continues, but the coach remains steadfast, backed by the training ground data he trusted in the most high-pressure moment.
