Rabat – Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has spoken again about their match against Morocco, which ended with a penalty shootout win for the Moroccan national team. He said the game was very difficult for his players and was decided under heavy pressure.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, ahead of Nigeria’s third place game against Egypt, Chelle explained that his team was well prepared for penalty kicks. He said the players were motivated and willing to take responsibility, and that Yakubu Adamu was one of the players who asked to take a penalty.
The Nigerian coach said the team worked on penalties during training and relied on data and statistics to choose the best kick takers. However, he had to make last-minute changes because striker Victor Osimhen felt pain in his foot. Osimhen was replaced before the shootout by Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze, whom Chelle described as two of the team’s best penalty takers who rarely miss.
Chelle also pointed out that taking penalties in training is very different from doing so in a real match. He said the pressure from the crowd makes a big difference, especially in what he described as a “crazy” atmosphere. He added that he even said he would go to the mosque to pray for his players, because of how hard it is for a player to step up and take a penalty.
The coach said Nigeria would have won the match if it had been played in Nigeria, taking responsibility for the result, but stressed that his main focus now is to correct mistakes and improve the team’s performance.
Talking about the final, Chelle said he respects the coaches of both Senegal and Morocco. He noted that the crowd will play an important role and said that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw must focus on his own team.
He concluded by wishing good luck to both sides and said he would congratulate whichever team wins the Africa Cup of Nations title.
The final between Morocco and Senegal will take place in Rabat on Sunday, while Egypt and Nigeria will lock horns on Saturday.