AFCON: Chelle Explains Osimhen Substitution In Eagles’ Penalty Defeat To Morocco

AFCON: Chelle Explains Osimhen Substitution In Super Eagles’ Penalty Defeat To Morocco
Onuachu converted his penalty after coming on
Oliseh praises Onyemaechi despite shootout miss

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained his decision to substitute Victor Osimhen before Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nigeria were eliminated after a tense goalless draw that stretched into extra time, eventually losing 4 to 2 on penalties to the Atlas Lions, a result that sparked debate following Osimhen’s withdrawal shortly before the shootout.

Speaking after the match, Chelle said the decision was forced by an ankle injury sustained by the striker during the game.

“Victor had a small injury to his ankle and that’s why we brought in Paul, who statistically was one of the best shooters of this period,” Chelle said.

Osimhen, who plays his club football with Galatasaray, scored four goals during the tournament but was unable to find the net against Morocco. His substitution for Paul Onuachu drew reactions from supporters and analysts.

Onuachu, however, justified the decision by calmly converting his penalty, one of only two successful spot kicks for Nigeria during the shootout.

Despite the disappointment of elimination, former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, praised left back Bruno Onyemaechi for his defensive display.

Onyemaechi was assigned to contain Morocco’s most dangerous attacker, Brahim Diaz, who entered the match as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and was chasing a record of scoring in six consecutive AFCON matches.

The Olympiacos defender limited Diaz’s influence throughout the contest, forcing Morocco to replace the Real Madrid winger with Ilias Akhomach during extra time.

Speaking on SuperSport during the match, Oliseh commended Onyemaechi’s effort.

“Bruno is putting in a lot of effort to keep Brahim Diaz quiet. Looks like this is the first time someone has beaten Diaz,” Oliseh said

However, the evening ended painfully for Nigeria. Onyemaechi missed his penalty in the shootout, a setback that proved decisive as Morocco progressed to the AFCON final.