The dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final continued to resonate long after the final whistle, with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali adding a sharp social media barb following Morocco’s defeat by Senegal.
Senegal were crowned African champions on Sunday night in Rabat after a tense and chaotic final that ended in a 1-0 victory over the host nation.
The match, packed with controversy and unusual scenes, quickly became one of the most talked-about finals in recent tournament history, drawing reactions from across the continent and beyond.
The decisive moment came late in a game already marked by tension. After briefly leaving the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco, the Lions of Teranga regrouped and struck through Pape Gueye, whose powerful effort proved enough to secure Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title. The goal silenced the home crowd and sealed a painful defeat for the Atlas Lions on their own soil.
However, it was what followed after the final whistle that reignited debate online. Television images showed stewards and match officials attempting to confiscate a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy from Yehvann Diouf.
The incident immediately caught the attention of fans, as it echoed a similar episode earlier in the tournament involving Nigeria.
During Nigeria’s semi-final defeat to Morocco, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had found himself at the centre of a comparable situation, when towels were reportedly removed during the match.
Watching events unfold in Rabat, the Chippa United goalkeeper chose to respond with humour rather than anger.
Taking to social media, Nwabali posted a pointed message aimed at Morocco following their loss to Senegal: “Use all my towels you’ve taken to wipe away your tears.” The remark spread quickly, drawing thousands of reactions and turning into one of the most shared posts of the night.
The comment underlined how the final’s controversies extended well beyond the pitch, adding another layer to a tournament already rich in drama.
While Senegal celebrated a historic triumph, Morocco were left to reflect on a night that promised glory but ended in disappointment.
As the dust settles on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the football itself will be remembered alongside the moments that sparked debate, laughter and frustration in equal measure — with Nwabali’s quip becoming an unexpected footnote in an unforgettable final.
