Super Eagles and Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka has revealed the selection process whenever the Nigerian National team have to take penalty shootouts, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle’s men have been victims of poor preparation in spot kicks, as it cost them twice in the past three months.
Against DR Congo, the Super Eagles fell short, shutting the door on a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The same occurred against Morocco, as they missed twice to send the host nation to the final.
There was a respite against Egypt in the AFCON third-place game, as Stanley Nwabali came up trumps, denying Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
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Frank Onyeka reveals how Nigeria’s penalty takers are picked
Despite winning a bronze medal against Morocco, the 28-year-old revealed how heavy the loss to the host nation was tough to swallow.
“I think in that game, tactically, they were very good, they knew what we were going to do and tried to close us down.
“Also, the referee made it easy for them because when we had our moment, he tried to cut it off, and that killed our momentum, and gave the Moroccans everything.
“That was why it was different. Morocco were very good, I’ll give that to them,” the ex-FC Midtjylland midfielder said in an interview with Oma Akatugba.
On penalties, Onyeka revealed Eric Chelle mostly asks the players if they’re up to the task, largely due to the pressure present in the moment.
“I’ve never kicked one in my life. They don’t pick me, but I also try not to involve myself. However, it’s something I need to work on, because I need to trust myself when another opportunity comes.
“Sometimes, the coach asks who wants to take, and other times, he makes the decision, and if you’re not feeling up to it, you can opt out, but most times, the players choose,” the Brentford midfielder concluded.
Onyeka has scored three goals in 41 appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and is keen on nailing a first team berth at the Gtech Community Stadium after the AFCON 2025 tournament.