Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has criticised Brahim Diaz’s decision to attempt a Panenka penalty during Morocco's 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night.

Diaz had the opportunity to put Morocco ahead in the closing moments of regulation time after his side were awarded a penalty. 

However, the Real Madrid forward opted for a Panenka, which was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy.

Reacting to the incident after the match, Ighalo questioned Diaz’s judgment, describing the choice as unnecessary given the magnitude of the occasion.

"In a game like this, one minute to go, what are you playing Panenka for. This is the final game, last minute, just go there and hit the ball hard," Ighalo said on SuperSport, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com. 

"Even though, I don't want Morocco to win for what happened in the game but you don't play Panenka."

Despite his criticism of the penalty, the former Manchester United striker praised Diaz’s overall performance and acknowledged Senegal’s superiority on the night.

"Apart from the penalty, he's been good throughout the game and I think Senegal deserves to win tonight," he added. 

Ighalo also expressed frustration with the officiating during the final, pointing to what he described as inconsistent use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

"The goal Senegal scored the ref did not check the VAR and the one for Morocco, he checked the VAR," he highlighted. 

The former Nigeria international further criticised Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw’s decision to instruct his players to walk off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded the late penalty in the second half.

"It is unfair to Senegal and I believe it is unfair to them but Senegal should have stayed in the game and not go out," he said. 

The deadlock was eventually broken in extra time when Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning effort early in the first half of extra time, sealing a 1–0 victory and securing the AFCON title for Senegal.

Adeyemi Adewale