Former Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo has chided Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz for squandering a glorious opportunity to end Morocco’s 50-year wait for the AFCON title.

The Real Madrid forward failed to convert from the spot in the dying moments of the AFCON final, as his weak penalty was saved by Edouard Mendy.

The penalty miss proved to be the last kick of the match, as it progressed to extra time before Pape Gueye scored the only goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.

According to Ighalo, the decision to opt for a Panenka was a poor one from the former Manchester City forward in a high-stakes final.

“And in this kind of game, it’s just one minute to finish the game. You don’t try this. Just have to hit it hard and win the game,” Ighalo said on SuperSport.

Despite the disappointment, Diaz won the Golden Boot award after netting five goals in seven games for the Atlas Lions.

However, the disappointment of missing such a crucial spot kick is one that will hunt the 26-year-old for the rest of his career.

WDN