Noni Madueke Faces Backlash After Missed Chance in World Cup

Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins may have wrapped up a routine win, but the post-match spotlight swung sharply onto Noni Madueke – and not for the right reasons.

The Chelsea winger passed up a glaring first-half chance, then appeared to shrug it off with a smile. On the pitch, it looked like a young player trying to stay loose. Online, it landed very differently.

The reaction was brutal.

On X, @cooksbits snapped: “Hopefully that’s the last we see of him this World Cup. Does ANYONE think he should be there?”

The mood didn’t soften. @marklamb2002 wrote: “Laughing and smiling about it send him back and get foden here such a washed player.”

The criticism went beyond the miss itself and into the question of why Madueke is in the squad at all.

@click00001 argued: “The only reason why he’s in that squad is because he’s part of a premier league winning team. He contributed about 1 goal and 2 assists btw. I’d take out of form Palmer or Bowen over him without thinking twice.”

As the online anger built, Madueke fronted up.

Speaking after the final whistle, he didn’t hide from the chance he should have buried. “I should have scored one,” he admitted. “We definitely had a few chances, Morgz [Morgan Rogers] I think. But it will come. Better to miss them now than when the tournament starts."

He went into detail on the moment that sparked the backlash. “I should’ve probably gone with my right foot. Obviously, it was happening quick. I should’ve scored it, but when the tournament comes, I will score them.”

The goals on the night belonged to Gordon and Watkins. The debate, though, now circles Madueke – his place, his composure, and whether those promised goals will arrive when the stakes stop being friendly and start being unforgiving.