Nigeria Coach: 'Penalty Shootout Against Morocco? I Will Go to the Mosque to Pray'
13 January 2026at14:28
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle revealed how his team has prepared for the possibility of a penalty shootout during their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco, emphasizing that preparations have not been limited to technical aspects but also include a spiritual dimension.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Malian coach stated: "As a coach, I can confirm that in every training session, we work on penalty kicks. But as a human being, I can also say that I will go to the mosque and pray for that (seeking success in penalty kicks)."
It is worth noting that Nigeria will face Morocco tomorrow, Wednesday (21:00 GMT+1), in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital, Rabat.
Q&A
How is Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle preparing his team for a potential penalty shootout against Morocco?
Coach Chelle confirmed that Nigeria practices penalty kicks in every training session, but also plans to seek spiritual guidance by praying at the mosque for success.
When and where will Nigeria face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final?
Nigeria will play Morocco tomorrow, Wednesday, at 21:00 GMT+1, in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
