Nwabali Fires Back at Morocco: ‘Use my towels to wipe your tears’

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has posted a message online that many believe is aimed at Morocco, following controversies at the just-ended 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nwabali’s message came after Morocco faced criticism for their conduct during the tournament, even though they were given the Fair Play Award.

Fans accused the host nation of using tactics meant to distract opposing goalkeepers, especially by removing their towels during matches.

After the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, Nwabali posted on his Instagram story in Nigerian slang:

“Make una use all my towels una carry wipe una tears.”

This roughly means: “Use all the towels you took from me to wipe your tears.”

During the rainy final, videos went viral showing ball boys stopping Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from giving towels to goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Another video showed Achraf Hakimi throwing Mendy’s towel over an advertising board, forcing Diouf to climb over to retrieve it. Reports also claimed that a laser light was pointed at Mendy’s face from the crowd to distract him.

Fans online criticised Hakimi, who was named CAF Player of the Year, calling his action shameful. Many also claimed the ball boys were acting on instructions, saying they could not have behaved so boldly on their own.

Similar incidents were reported during the semi-final match between Nigeria and Morocco, which ended 0–0 before Morocco won on penalties.

During that game, Nwabali’s towels were repeatedly removed, forcing him to walk back to the Nigerian bench several times to get new ones.

At one point, he was also seen reacting to the home fans behind his goal.

These incidents have continued to fuel debates online about sportsmanship and fair play at the tournament.