AFCON 2025: Nigerian keeper targeted online following Morocco match

A series of similar incidents targeted Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against host Morocco.

A series of curious incidents (at least twice) occurred just before the penalty shootout in the semifinals between Nigeria and Morocco.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali placed his black towel near the goal, but a young Moroccan, probably a ball boy, removed it.

Later, Nwabali took another towel, this time a white one, and placed it next to the goalpost. This was during preparations for the penalty shootout.

Ils n’ont aucun respect pour l’équipe adverse ! Ni pour l’hymne ! Ni pour les supporters ! Ni pour le football tout court ! Aucun fairplay ! https://t.co/aY69NrjALu pic.twitter.com/S2z3qBXOhz

Moments later, a steward again rushed to remove the towel from the area near the goal. Both incidents occurred when a Moroccan fan in the stands pointed at the object.

Some spectators, notably Moroccan fans, applauded the steward’s quick reaction.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco won 4-2 and qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they will face Senegal on Sunday.

As for the Super Eagles, they will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.