The Confederation of African Football has opened a disciplinary investigation into Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after he allegedly made obscene gestures towards Moroccan supporters during the AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco.
Television cameras captured Nwabali turning toward the stands and directing a middle-finger gesture at sections of the crowd, an attitude considered contrary to sporting ethics and CAF competition regulations.
These video clips form the core of the technical review now underway within CAF’s disciplinary structures. The commission is compiling a detailed report to determine whether the behaviour constitutes a formal violation of the disciplinary code and what level of responsibility the player bears. Possible penalties range from an official warning to a firm suspension, depending on how serious the act is judged by the commissioners.
This procedure comes at a sensitive moment, as CAF seeks to reinforce respect for fair play and exemplary conduct during the final stages of the tournament.
The governing body wants to send a clear message that provocative gestures toward fans, even in high-pressure matches, will not be tolerated.
A final decision is expected soon, before the competition concludes, in order to clarify Nwabali’s disciplinary status for any remaining fixtures and to close a case that has drawn strong reaction among Moroccan supporters and African football followers.
