Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has sparked widespread reactions on social media after taking a playful swipe at Morocco following their defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Morocco lost the highly anticipated final to Senegal, ending their dream of lifting the continental trophy on home soil. Shortly after the match, Nwabali posted a message online that quickly went viral, drawing attention from football fans across Africa and beyond.
“Make una use all my towel una carry wipe una tears,” Nwabali wrote in a mix of Pidgin English, mocking Morocco’s disappointment after the loss.
The post was widely shared and liked, with many Nigerian fans praising the goalkeeper for his humour and timing. Others described it as classic football banter, while some Moroccan supporters were less amused.
The message was not random. It was a clear reference to an incident during the AFCON semifinal clash between Nigeria and Morocco in Rabat. That match was one of the most intense games of the tournament and was filled with tension both on and off the pitch.
During the semifinal, Moroccan officials reportedly confiscated Nwabali’s towel on two different occasions. Goalkeepers often use towels to dry their gloves and hands, especially during high-pressure moments like penalty situations or set pieces. Many fans believed the action was meant to distract or unsettle the Nigerian goalkeeper.
At the time, the incident caused outrage among Nigerian supporters, who accused the hosts of using mind games against the Super Eagles. Although the issue did not lead to any official punishment, it remained a talking point throughout the tournament.
While Nigeria did not progress to the final, the Super Eagles later bounced back strongly by defeating Egypt to secure third place in the competition. Nwabali played a key role in that match, making crucial saves and earning praise for his calm and confident performance.
His displays throughout the tournament won him admiration from fans and football analysts, with many describing him as one of Nigeria’s standout players at AFCON 2025. The goalkeeper, who plays his club football with Chippa United in South Africa, became a fan favourite due to his bravery, sharp reflexes, and outspoken personality.
The AFCON 2025 tournament was hosted by Morocco and featured some of the best football talents on the continent. Senegal emerged as champions after defeating the Atlas Lions in the final, extending their dominance in African football following their previous AFCON success.
Morocco, who reached the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, entered the tournament as one of the favourites. Their journey to the final raised hopes among home fans that they could finally lift the AFCON trophy. However, those hopes were dashed by a disciplined and determined Senegalese side.
For Nwabali, Morocco’s loss provided the perfect moment to revisit the towel incident and deliver his light-hearted revenge. His post was seen by many Nigerians as payback for what they considered unsportsmanlike behaviour during the semifinal.
Within minutes of posting, the message spread across X, Instagram, and Facebook, with fans turning it into memes and jokes. Some users described Nwabali as the “king of banter,” while others said he had won the “banter gold medal” of the tournament.
Football banter is common in the sport, especially after big matches and tournaments. Players often use social media to express emotions, celebrate victories, or respond to opponents. While such posts can sometimes lead to controversy, many fans view them as part of the passion that makes football exciting.
So far, neither the Moroccan Football Federation nor any Moroccan players have officially responded to Nwabali’s comment. It remains unclear whether the post will attract any reaction from football authorities or lead to disciplinary action.
The Super Eagles’ third-place finish at AFCON 2025 was seen as a positive outcome for Nigeria, especially after the disappointment of missing out on the final. The team showed resilience by regrouping after the semifinal loss and ending the tournament on a high note.
Nwabali’s rise in the national team has been one of the highlights of the competition. Before AFCON 2025, he was relatively unknown to many Nigerian fans. His performances have since placed him firmly in the spotlight and strengthened his claim to the Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper position.
Many fans have praised his confidence and mental strength, qualities that were evident both on the pitch and in his bold social media post.
For Nigerian supporters, Nwabali’s message to Morocco was more than just a joke. It was seen as a moment of pride and a reminder that Nigerian players are not easily intimidated, even when playing away from home under intense pressure.
As the excitement from AFCON 2025 begins to fade, moments like Nwabali’s viral post continue to keep the tournament alive in conversations among fans.
While Senegal celebrate their hard-earned victory, Nigeria can also take satisfaction in a strong tournament showing and a goalkeeper who not only delivered on the pitch but also entertained fans off it.
In African football, memories are often made not just by goals and trophies, but also by moments of drama, rivalry, and humour. Stanley Nwabali’s towel joke has now joined that list, ensuring that AFCON 2025 will be remembered long after the final whistle.
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