Ghanaian Journalist Says Referee Was Professional, Criticism Not Anti-Nigeria
As a Ghanaian, Daniel Jeddman has stated categorically that Ghanaians hold no ill will toward Nigeria and genuinely wanted the Super Eagles to excel in the tournament, describing Nigerians as “our brothers.”
However, Jeddman says the manner in which Samuel Chukwueze took a crucial penalty has raised legitimate concerns that cannot be ignored.
“We all love Nigeria and wanted to see them do well. But seeing Chukwueze take a penalty like that was shocking. He looked neither ready nor serious,” Jeddman said.
A Penalty That Carried Millions of Emotions
According to Jeddman, the penalty moment represented one of the most important kicks of Chukwueze’s football career — a chance to give Nigeria a vital advantage.
Instead, the AC Milan winger stepped up chewing gum, glancing at cameras, and appearing unbothered, before striking what Jeddman described as “a back pass” to the goalkeeper.
“This was a crucial penalty with millions of Nigerians emotionally invested. You can’t step up that casually and expect people not to question your mindset,” he added.
Attitude Matters as Much as Outcome
While acknowledging that every footballer can miss a penalty, Jeddman stressed that attitude and body language matter greatly in high-pressure moments.
“I already know any player can miss a penalty. That’s football. But the attitude of the player missing the kick also matters,” he said.
Jeddman noted that even viewers with no professional football background could sense something was off, adding humorously that his sister remarked she could have struck the ball better.
Speculation Over Motivation
In his commentary, Jeddman cautiously suggested that the miss may have been influenced by frustration, pointing to Chukwueze’s limited involvement during the tournament.
“I reluctantly believe Chukwueze may have missed the penalty on purpose as a sign of payback for not being used enough. I say this reluctantly, not recklessly,” he clarified.
He emphasized that this view is personal analysis, not an accusation.
Defence of the Match Referee
Jeddman also defended the match official, describing the referee as calm, professional, and unbiased throughout the game.
“The referee was completely neutral and very professional. Nigeria should be happy to have had such officiating,” he stated.
Not Scapegoating, Just Stating the Obvious
Concluding his remarks, Jeddman rejected claims of scapegoating, insisting that his commentary reflects what many viewers observed.
“I’m not trying to scapegoat Chukwueze. I’m simply stating the obvious — what everyone saw with their own eyes,” he said.
