Onyeka Reveals What Happened Before Shootout Against Morocco

Onyeka Reveals What Happened Before Shootout Against Morocco

Sampson Adedeji

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has shed light on the events that took place before Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria were knocked out of the tournament in the semi-final after losing to Morocco on penalties following a tightly contested encounter.

Speaking in an interview with sports journalist Omar Akatugba, Onyeka admitted that penalty-taking is an area he has little experience in, revealing he has never taken a spot-kick in his professional career.

 “I’ve never kicked one in my life. They don’t pick me, but I also try not to involve myself,” Onyeka said.

The Brentford midfielder, however, acknowledged the need to improve in that aspect of his game, stressing the importance of self-belief in crucial moments.

“It’s something I need to work on because I need to trust myself when another opportunity comes,” he added.

Onyeka further explained how decisions are made within the team during penalty shootouts, noting that responsibility can fall either on the coach or the players themselves.

“Sometimes, the coach asks who wants to take the penalties, and other times, he makes the decision. If you’re not feeling up to it, you can opt out, but most times, the players choose,” Onyeka concluded.

Nigeria’s exit at the semi-final stage marked another painful penalty shootout defeat for the Super Eagles, as they fell short of reaching the final of the continental showpiece.