Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has opened up on the penalty that Samuel Chukwueze missed during penalty kicks where they were beaten 2-4 by Morocco in the semi final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed from the spot during the shoot outs, but it is the miss from Chukwueze that has drawn the most criticism owing to the manner, which he walked up to the ball and also executed the kick.
He has been the target of several online attacks and trolls, with many questioning why he was allowed to be a part of the penalty takers for the team at such a crucial time in a high intense game.
Chelle while responding revealed that the Fulham winger is one of the best penalty takers in the team, and said the miss is probably due to the pressure of the game and also the venue.
“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”, he said in the pre match conference ahead of tomorrow’s third place playoff.
He went further to say he has plans of bringing in new players to the Super Eagles, if he is allowed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to remain as the coach of the team. “If God gives me the chance to be the coach after the after the AFCON, I’ll love to bring in more players for the team”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
