Former Nigeria midfielder Mutiu Adepoju during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has said the Super Eagles failed to impose their style of play in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat by hosts Morocco.
Nigeria’s bid for a fourth continental title ended on Wednesday after a 4-2 penalty shootout loss at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, following a goalless draw after extra time. Despite being under pressure for long spells, the Super Eagles held out for 120 minutes but missed two spot-kicks in the shootout to allow Morocco to progress to the final.
Eric Chelle’s side struggled to settle from the outset, finding it difficult to retain possession and cope with Morocco’s intensity in front of a packed home crowd. Nigeria registered just two shots across the contest, while the hosts went closest to scoring late on when Neil El Aynaoui’s long-range effort in stoppage time was saved.
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Speaking to Footy-Africa, Adepoju — a member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning team — said the atmosphere played a key role in the outcome.
“It was difficult, and I knew that before kick-off,” Adepoju exclusively told Footy-Africa. “We knew the atmosphere was going to be challenging, and we didn’t manage to play our game.”
However, the former Real Madrid midfielder defended the players’ effort:
“You can’t fault their commitment because they gave everything. Losing a semi-final on penalties is always tough, but they can hold their heads high.”
Chelle has faced criticism for his choice of penalty takers, with striker Victor Osimhen — who has a strong record from the spot — substituted before the shootout.
Adepoju suggested injury may have been a factor.
“Maybe he was injured because we saw him limping, and that could be why he was substituted,” he added.
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The defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive penalty shootout loss under Chelle, having previously missed out on a FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off spot following a shootout defeat by Congo.
Those results have led some supporters to question the team’s mentality in high-pressure moments, but Adepoju believes such situations are unpredictable.
“I believe the coaches selected the best takers and they must have been practising in training,” he said. “But training is not the same as a real match. The pressure and atmosphere are different.”
Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
