Coach of Nigeria, Eric Chelle, revealed why Osimhen didn't take a penalty in the AFCON 2025 fixture against Morocco.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has opened up on the reason Victor Osimhen was absent from Nigeria’s list of penalty takers during the team’s semifinal defeat to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).
Nigeria were beaten 4–2 on penalties after extra time, a result that sparked debate among supporters who wondered why one of the team’s biggest stars was not involved in the shootout.
Osimhen had been substituted in the closing stages of extra time, with Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu coming on in his place, a change that ruled the Galatasaray forward out of the spot-kick contest.
Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle disclosed that the decision was influenced by the player’s fitness, revealing that Osimhen personally informed him he was unable to take one.
“We practice penalties in every training session. I keep data on who converts the most and who struggles,” the Malian tactician explained.
“Before the shootout, Victor told me, ‘Coach, my ankle is very bad, it hurts, I can’t take a penalty.’”
Onuachu converted Nigeria’s first kick, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyeamachi proved costly as Morocco advanced to the final.
Chelle declined to expand on why Alex Iwobi, considered one of the leaders in the squad, did not step forward.
“I have my statistics. Ademola Lookman was the fifth taker. For Iwobi, that is something I should not discuss. What happens inside the group stays in the group,” he said.
The former Mali boss stressed that shootout selections are based on preparation levels and the mental readiness of players.
He pointed to the third-place playoff against Egypt, where Nigeria successfully claimed bronze via penalties, as an example of that approach.
“Against Egypt, I chose players who accept responsibility. When you step up, you must carry the blame,” Chelle added.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the final, the Super Eagles ended their campaign on a positive note by defeating Egypt to secure the tournament’s bronze medal.
Read the Latest Sports News Today and Get Fresh updates as they drop via X and Instagram
