AFCON 2025: Stanley Nwabali Reacts After Super Eagles’ Penalty Shootout Loss to Morocco
- Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has spoken after Nigeria lost the semi-final to Morocco on penalties
- Nigeria took Morocco to the limit in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but fell short in the end
- Nwabali made decent saves during the match and saved a penalty in the shootout, but it was not enough to win it
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has reacted after Nigeria lost to Morocco on penalties in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria and host nation Morocco battled for 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, but nothing could separate the two sides.
Source: Getty Images
Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s spot kick on top of five saves during the match, but it was not enough for Nigeria to win the crunch tie.
The Atlas Lions progressed to the final after winning 4-2 on penalties after Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their spot kicks.
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Nwabali reacts after AFCON loss
As noted by All Nigeria Soccer, Nigerians were initially worried about Nwabali’s discipline, heading into the match with a suspension risk, but he conducted himself well.
The Chippa United goalkeeper shared a post on his X page, communicating his emotions after falling short in consecutive AFCONs for Nigeria.
“Not again!!!! 🤦🏽♂️💔,” he wrote.
Fans applauded the goalkeeper's performance for putting up a fight, even though it did not eventually go the way he would have wanted.
@yomidegadgets wrote:
“You actually tried and gave it your all. Nice saves, but unfortunately our players fumbled.”
@gsirheed wrote:
“Thank you for your service. You did great today against all odds, you rose to the occasion, It’s one of those things in the game, Cheers👍👍👍.”
@ogbeniTitus wrote:
“It didn’t go our way, but the fight was there. Proud of the boys.”
Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala, who has been a vocal supporter of the Super Eagles, applauded Nwabali’s outing against Morocco.
Oshoala’s message, “you did your best Igwe,” gave a seal of approval to Nigeria’s reaction to the goalkeeper who was one of the Super Eagles stars who turned up.
Source: Getty Images
Moroccans celebrate their first AFCON final in 50 years as they seek to win their second title, while Nigeria, at best, would settle for their ninth bronze medal.
As noted by CAF, Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Host nation Morocco will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal, who beat Egypt in the other semi-final, in the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Eric Chelle reacts after Super Eagles’ loss
Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle reacted after Nigeria lost to Morocco on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the semi-final of AFCON 2025.
The Franco-Malian manager admitted that his team was not at their best, and added that Fulham star Samuel Chukwueze was one of the best penalty takers in training.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
