Eric Chelle Stands-in for Chukwueze Over Penalty Miss

Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has  come to speak in favour of Samuel Chukwueze following his penalty miss in Nigeria’s defeat to Morocco. Chukwueze has faced intense criticism after his tame effort was easily saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou during the penalty shootout.

Nigeria lost 4-2 on penalties to the Atlas Lions after the match ended goalless after both full-time and extra time. Left-back Bruno Onyemaechi was the other Nigerian player to miss from the spot.

Though criticised, Chelle has defended Chukwueze, saying that he is the team’s best penalty taker. Chelle told reporters: “Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker of the team, he never misses in training, maybe out of 400 but the feeling to take for every player was different, maybe the crowd. I think if we play the penalties in Uyo, Abuja or Lagos, we win for sure.”