Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has said he doesn’t want anybody to criticize teammates Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi after the duo missed their penalty kicks against Morocco in the semi-final encounter.
Iwobi spoke in a video posted on social media before Nigeria’s AFCON third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday evening.
NEWSUNPLUG reports that Nigeria lost to Morocco 4-2 on penalties as Chukwueze and Onyemaechi missed their kicks.
The encounter had ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
However, Chukwueze particular, and Onyemaechi suffered criticism from Super Eagles fans for failing to convert their penalties.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s tie with Egypt on Saturday evening, the Fulham star said in a video post on social media: “I want to do a shout out to Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, of course, they have been so very good for us in this tournament.
“Samuel got the two assists against Uganda. Bruno has been doing really well at left-back, running up and down.
“I am proud of them because it is not easy to step up and take a penalty. So I don’t want anybody to criticize them, but applaud their bravery and courage to go take the penalty, so we are standing behind them and everyone in the team.”