The Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 semi-final loss to Morocco has sparked intense debate, with many questioning the team’s mental preparedness, particularly in high-pressure situations like Samuel Chukwueze’s penalty miss.
Femi Soneye, sports analyst and former spokesperson for NNPCL, argued that the lack of a dedicated sports psychologist has compromised the team’s focus.
Observing the pre-match warm-ups, Soneye noted a troubling lack of composure in Chukwueze, contrasting his demeanor with the more focused body language of teammates like Paul Onuachu, Dele-Bashiru, and Moses Simon.
“Samuel Chukwueze looked completely unhappy, disinterested, and mentally absent for over 30 minutes, possibly frustrated about not starting the game,” Soneye said.
“A sports psychologist would have read Chukwueze’s mental state and advised against introducing him.”
Soneye reiterated the importance of mental preparedness in high-pressure games.
“At this level, football is as much psychological as it is physical. Mental readiness wins matches. Ignore it, and it comes at a cost,” he added.
Onuachu’s positive attitude and confidence in his penalty kick served as a testament to the power of mental strength, according to Soneye.
Nigerians also took to social media to slam Chukwueze for his perceived lack of commitment. Comedian @officialBovi tweeted, “If you seek glory before victory, you will likely perish. Very irresponsible . Very f^^^^g irresponsible”.
@_wsyd echoed similar sentiments, stating “that penalty was supposed to take pressure off the team. his lackadaisical approach vexed my spirit more than the miss. what an irresponsible player!”
The backlash continued, with @socetyhatesjay sharing a heartbreaking moment, saying “i’ve never seen my dad cry all my life but thanks to chukwueze, i watched the strongest man i know cry like a baby”.
@Oshoja_jr criticized Chukwueze’s body language, saying “One thing about penalty kicks is your body language. His approach, even the way he walks to the ball was awful.
“No swagger, no ginger just walking like a 70yrs old woman. If he has scored, we would have one cos Nwabali would still save one more.”
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