Osimhen decision divided Nigeria
Nigeria and Morocco faced off in the match that would determine the second finalist of the Africa Cup of Nations after Senegal. Morocco booked their place in the final after a penalty shootout, while Victor Osimhen’s role in the outcome divided social media. Here are the details…
Nigeria and Morocco faced off in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. With Wilfred Ndidi absent, Victor Osimhen started the match in the starting XI, while Paul Onuachu began on the bench. For Morocco, Youssef En-Nesyri also started the game among the substitutes.
Read More ›
The 90 minutes ended in a goalless draw, and the match went into extra time. Neither side was able to break the deadlock during the additional period.
SURPRISE DECISION
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle made a surprise move in the 118th minute, substituting Victor Osimhen and bringing Samuel Chukwueze onto the pitch.
After extra time, the match was decided by penalty shootout. Onuachu converted Nigeria’s first penalty, but Chukwueze, who had replaced Osimhen, and Bruno Onyemaechi both failed to beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
For Morocco, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to take the decisive penalty and scored, sending Morocco through to the final, where they will face Senegal.
DIVIDED OPINION
Osimhen’s substitution — widely regarded as Nigeria’s best penalty taker — and Chukwueze’s missed spot-kick sparked heavy criticism of head coach Eric Chelle.
Read More ›
While some fans insisted Osimhen is Nigeria’s most reliable penalty taker, others defended Chelle’s decision, saying: “Osimhen is a very poor penalty taker. Are we going to ignore that?”
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place playoff on January 17.
