Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has taken a swipe at Morocco following the Atlas Lions’ defeat to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night.
Morocco were beaten 1-0 by the reigning champions at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Pape Gueye netting the decisive goal in extra time.
Shortly after the match, Nwabali posted a pointed message on his official Instagram account, writing: “Use the towel you received from me to wipe away your tears.”
The remark appeared to reference an earlier incident during Nigeria’s semi-final clash with Morocco, where ball boys repeatedly removed Nwabali’s towel in an apparent attempt to unsettle him during the penalty shootout.
Sunday’s final was marred by controversy and high drama. Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest after the referee awarded Morocco a last-gasp penalty following a challenge on Brahim Díaz.
The situation was eventually defused after Senegal captain Sadio Mané persuaded head coach Pape Thiaw and his teammates to return and see out the match.
Morocco failed to capitalise on the opportunity, as Díaz missed the penalty in dramatic fashion, sending the contest into extra time.
Senegal then seized control in the first period of added time, when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful strike to seal victory and hand the Teranga Lions another AFCON title.
