Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained why Victor Osimhen did not take part in Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the AFCON semifinal. Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties after extra time, and fans questioned why the star striker was substituted late in the match before the shootout.

Osimhen was replaced near the end of extra time by Paul Onuachu, a move that ruled him out of the penalties. Onuachu later converted Nigeria’s first kick, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyeamachi proved costly as Morocco advanced to the final of the tournament.

Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle revealed that Osimhen personally asked not to take a penalty because of injury concerns. According to the coach, the striker complained of severe ankle pain and said he was not physically able to step up during the shootout. Chelle added that penalty choices are based on data gathered during training sessions.

The Malian coach declined to explain why Alex Iwobi did not take a penalty, saying such matters should remain within the team. He stressed that penalty decisions depend on preparation, confidence, and responsibility. Despite missing the final, Nigeria went on to secure the bronze medal after defeating Egypt in another penalty shootout during the third-place playoff.