Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle said Nigeria’s fighting spirit remained intact despite their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final exit to Morocco, while admitting his side fell short of their usual technical standards in a painful penalty shoot-out defeat.
Nigeria were beaten 4–2 on penalties after a tense 0–0 draw across 120 minutes in Rabat, as tournament hosts Morocco moved within one win of a first AFCON title in nearly 50 years.
Chelle conceded Nigeria struggled to match the intensity and technical sharpness shown in earlier matches, but insisted the players delivered the response he expected against a strong Moroccan side.
“We miss a lot of things, the intensity, technically, the movement, our technicality was not the same as the last match. I don’t want to say we were tired, but that’s not the level” he said.
“Morocco deserve this victory, but our state of mind was good. We fight on every ball.”
Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: Imago
The semi-final was short on clear chances, particularly in normal time. Morocco controlled possession for long spells, with Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi going close, while Nigeria’s best opportunity came when Ademola Lookman tested goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before the break.
As the match wore on, both teams became increasingly cautious, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali producing a series of important saves to keep Nigeria in the contest. Morocco struck the post through Nayef Aguerd in extra time, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
The tie was eventually decided from the penalty spot, where Nigeria’s recent struggles resurfaced. After Morocco missed their opening kick, Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both failed to convert, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to seal victory for the hosts.
Chelle defended his selection of penalty takers, stressing the decisions were based on performances in training rather than reputation.
“We put Chukwueze for a penalty because the guys who kicked the penalties were the best in training,” he said.
Photo Credit: Imago
Despite another shoot-out defeat, Chelle pointed to the character shown by his players and pushed back against suggestions that his pre-match confidence had been misplaced.
“Before this game, I talked at the press conference and I said something, everybody tried to say this was a bluff or that I was a liar. I know my group”
“For sure, it was not easy for us, but the players gave a good response with their state of mind. They fight on every ball” he said.
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The Franco-Malian coach also sought to draw a line under speculation about his future, insisting his focus remains firmly on upcoming fixtures.
“For now, I am still the coach of the Super Eagles, i have a game against Egypt and I want to win.”
Super Eagles Technical bench. Photo Credit: Imago
Morocco will now face defending champions Senegal in Sunday’s final, while Nigeria turn their attention to the third-place play-off with Chelle insisting the experience must be used as a platform for growth.
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“It’s difficult because we lose again in the penalty session,” he said. “It’s crazy because we work a lot during all the training sessions. But this is football. We have to accept that and continue to work.”
