Posted by Samuel on Fri 16th Jan, 2026 - tori.ng
Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties during the AFCON semi-final on Wednesday after the match ended goalless.
Renowned Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has come to the defence of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze amid criticism from Nigerians over his missed penalty.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, competition on Wednesday after losing to the host nation, Morocco.
Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties during the AFCON semi-final on Wednesday after the match ended goalless.
Nigerian players, Chukwueze and Bruno however missed penalties for the Eagles while the Atlas Lions converted all their kicks.
Reacting to the Super Eagles’ loss, many Nigerians took to social media to drag Chukwueze for losing his sport kick during the penalty shootout.
However, defended him amid the backlash, singer Seun Kuti asked the critics to stop blaming Chukwueze for the country’s defeat, stating that Pele, the late Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players, also missed penalties.
Seun wrote in Pidgin English on his Instagram story; “Even Pele dey miss penalty. Leave Chukwueze alone.”
Nigeria will be playing with Egypt for the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Morocco will now face Senegal in the final on Sunday January 18 2026.