AFCON 2025: Chukwueze Deserves National Support, Encouragement — Deputy Speaker

Samuel Chukwueze

Umuahia: The Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Austin Meregini, has called on Nigerians to rally behind Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze, urging the public to offer support and encouragement despite his penalty miss at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Meregini stated that he, the people of Umuahia East Constituency, and Abia State at large stand firmly with the player.
Chukwueze, alongside defender Bruno Onyemaechi, missed from the penalty spot during Nigeria’s semi-final shootout defeat to hosts Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat. The miss by Chukwueze, in particular, sparked widespread backlash, with the winger subjected to intense criticism and abuse across social media platforms.
Reacting to the development, the Deputy Speaker strongly defended the Super Eagles star, emphasising that football, by its very nature, is a game defined by fine margins and decisive moments.
“This is not a time for public crucifixion or mob judgment,” “Rather, it is a moment that calls for national support and encouragement. Our athletes must be strengthened by public discourse, not broken by it.”Meregini said.
He reminded Nigerians that even the world’s greatest footballers ,including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Nigeria’s own Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha — have missed penalties at crucial stages of their careers.
“No serious student or observer of the game reduces a player’s entire worth or legacy to a single moment,” he noted.
The lawmaker described Chukwueze as an exceptional footballer who has consistently made significant impacts at every club he has represented. The Abia-born winger has featured for Villarreal CF in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, and is currently on loan at Fulham FC in England.
According to Meregini, Chukwueze has repeatedly demonstrated professionalism, discipline, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian jersey through his electrifying performances for the national team.
“Such an impressive record cannot and should not be erased by one unfortunate incident,” he stressed.
Meregini also condemned attempts by some critics to ridicule or discredit the Fulham winger over trivial issues, such as chewing gum during matches, describing such narratives as misplaced and counterproductive.
He explained that chewing gum is a widely recognised habit among professional athletes and elite coaches, including legendary figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti, often used as a coping mechanism to manage tension and maintain composure under pressure.
“To weaponise such a minor detail against a young Nigerian who has consistently given his all whenever called upon is completely unjustified,” he said.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace unity and empathy in moments of adversity.
“Nigeria stands taller when we defend our own during difficult times. We remain proud of Samuel Chukwueze and the entire Super Eagles squad, and we remain confident in their resilience and continued contribution to the national team,” Meregini added.