Super Eagles Coach, Chelle Reacts To Penalty Loss To Morocco

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle has reacted to the team’s penalty loss to Morocco in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash.

He dispelled rumours that that the ream may not have prepared for penalties, adding that the team even went ahead to select the best available spot kickers.

Speaking during his post-match interview, the coach stated: “Normally, we play a 4-4-2 diamond, and because I felt it was difficult to apply high pressure, I put Moses in midfield and Chukwueze on for the penalty situation,” Chelle said during his post-match interview.

“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.”

“The match was never easy, but the players showed a strong mental response and fought for every ball. Losing on penalties is very painful.

“It’s difficult because we worked hard throughout the entire tournament, but that’s football. We must continue working.

“We played this match with high pressing because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated.

“From a technical point of view, we were not at the same level we showed in other matches. I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”

The game had to be decided by penalties after 90 minutes and extra time yielded no goals.

The Super Eagles will now play Egypt for third place in Casablanca on Saturday.