Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, exudes confidence ahead of the AFCON 2023 semi-final encounter against South Africa, expressing assurance that the team will secure victory without the need for penalty shootouts.

Chukwueze dismissed the notion of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams being a penalty-saving specialist, despite his impressive performance in saving four penalties during South Africa’s shootout victory over Cape Verde. Despite Williams’ commendable record of four clean sheets in the tournament, Chukwueze remains steadfast in his belief that Nigeria will emerge victorious within regulation or extra time.

“Penalty shootouts are unpredictable; anyone can falter. Ronwen’s success in saving penalties was simply based on the ones he managed to anticipate,” Chukwueze remarked in an interview with Hot Sport’s Toyin Ibitoye.

Acknowledging Williams’ goalkeeping prowess, Chukwueze emphasized the team’s focus on securing victory within the standard 90 or 120 minutes. 

“I’m not saying he is not a good goalkeeper, he is actually a good goalkeeper, but the most important thing is for us to win in 90 minutes or 120 minutes. We will win without going into penalties. 

“It is not about being scared, it is about being on a safer side at the moment. We have been watching their clips, they are good on their own, but we will try our best and win,” he said.