Ikpeba: I told Chukwueze how to make Nigerians forget his AFCON 2025 penalty miss

Victor Ikpeba has revealed that he spoke with Samuel Chukwueze in Morocco after the winger’s costly penalty miss in Nigeria’s semi-final clash against the Atlas Lions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chukwueze, brought on late in extra-time as a designated taker, saw his effort saved by Yassine Bounou after Stanley Nwabali had given the Super Eagles an early advantage in the shootout.

Nigeria eventually lost 4-2 on penalties, sparking criticism from fans who questioned Chukwueze’s focus and casual approach, as he was seen chewing gum on his way to the spot.

Ikpeba, who himself missed a decisive penalty in the AFCON 2000 final against Cameroon, said he encouraged Chukwueze to focus on his club form to win back the trust of Nigerians.

‘It is fantastic, it is good, it shows that they returned to their clubs with AFCON form. Chukwueze scoring. I told Chukwueze to do well at his club so that people back home will forget what happened at AFCON. What he can do now is to do well at Fulham and at the end of the season, we’ll see,’ he told Brila FM.

Chukwueze responded with a goal for Fulham at Craven Cottage, netting the equalizer in their 2-1 win over Brighton. Ikpeba also praised Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu for continuing their scoring form after the tournament.

‘To the other guys, Osimhen, Akor, banging in goals, it is good. People forget that we could have played in the final if not for penalties against Morocco. I know Morocco’s game was a challenge, playing against the host nation. I think we need to praise the boys, they gave a lot of everything; energy, fight, even in a difficult game against Morocco. So the penalties could have gone either ways,’ he said.

Reflecting on the atmosphere, Ikpeba added: ‘I’m very proud of the boys and I can tell you that the streets of Morocco in Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca, the Moroccans were in love with our players. We shouldn’t forget the stadium was filled to capacity in the third place match against Egypt to support the Super Eagles.’