Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has taken a swipe at Moroccan players and supporters following their defeat to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Morocco fell 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal to hand Senegal the continental crown. However, much of the post-match discussion has centred on incidents involving towels used by Senegal’s goalkeepers.
During the final, footage circulating online showed Moroccan players and stadium officials repeatedly snatching towels meant to keep Edouard Mendy’s gloves dry. The towels were taken and thrown into the stands, in what appeared to be deliberate attempts to unsettle the Senegalese keeper.
The scenes echoed what happened during the semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco, when Nwabali himself was targeted. The Super Eagles’ shot-stopper was forced to return to the bench several times after his towels were taken away.
Following Morocco’s loss in the final, Nwabali wasted little time in reacting. Posting on his 𝕏 account, the Chippa United goalkeeper mocked the Moroccans in pidgin English, urging them to use the towels to wipe away their tears. He wrote, “Make Una use all my towel Una carry wipe Una tears.”
The drama did not end there. Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, was also involved in a heated moment during the final on Sunday. Reports indicated that Moroccan ball boys attempted to snatch the towel Diouf was holding for Mendy, leading to a brief confrontation on the pitch.
Despite the tense atmosphere inside the stadium, Senegal kept their focus. Diouf was seen guarding the towel throughout the match, even chasing ball boys across the field to prevent further disruption.
In the end, Senegal held their nerve and secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory after 120 minutes, sealing another memorable triumph at the AFCON.
