Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has reflected on his side’s penalty shoot-out defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the loss as painful while praising his players’ mentality and effort.

Nigeria were edged out 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Rabat on Wednesday night, bringing an end to their quest for a fourth continental title. 

Speaking after the match, Chelle highlighted areas where his team fell short during the encounter. 

“We missed a lot of things, the intensity, techicality, the movement,” the Nigeria coach said, as he assessed his team’s performance against the Atlas Lions.

Chelle was also quick to acknowledge Morocco’s achievement in progressing to the final, while maintaining that his players approached the contest with the right mindset.

“Morocco deserved this victory, but our state of mind was good. We fought for every ball, and you know before this game I spoke 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, and for sure it was not easy for us in this game, but the players gave us a good response with their state of mind,” he stated.

The Super Eagles had an early advantage in the shoot-out before seeing their hopes dashed, marking another penalty setback at the tournament. 

Chelle admitted the disappointment was difficult to process, given the work done in preparation.

“They fight on every ball and it's difficult because we lose again in the penalty session and it's crazy because we work a lot during all of the training sessions but this is football we have to accept that and continue to work,” he added.

Despite the semi-final exit, Nigeria’s campaign is not yet over. The three-time African champions will now turn their attention to the third-place match, where they are scheduled to face Egypt on Saturday as they look to end the tournament on a positive note.

Wale Adejumo