Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali didn’t hold back in his reaction following Morocco’s 1-0 loss to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Pape Gueye’s decisive goal in extra time handed Senegal the continental crown, but off-field antics, particularly involving goalkeeping towels, have dominated post-match conversations.

During the final, footage circulating online showed Moroccan players and stadium officials repeatedly taking towels meant to keep Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s gloves dry. The towels were tossed into the stands, appearing to be deliberate attempts to distract the Senegalese shot-stopper.

The scenes bore a striking resemblance to an incident in the semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco, where Nwabali himself fell victim to similar gamesmanship. The Super Eagles’ goalkeeper was forced to return to the bench multiple times after his towels were confiscated during the tense match.

Following Morocco’s defeat, Nwabali took to his 𝕏 account to taunt the Moroccans in pidgin English, referencing the towel incidents. “Make Una use all my towel Una carry wipe Una tears,” he wrote, poking fun at their frustration.

The towel saga continued in the final with Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf. Reports suggest that Moroccan ball boys attempted to snatch the towel Diouf held for Mendy, sparking a brief confrontation on the pitch. Despite the disruption, Senegal maintained their composure, with Diouf seen diligently guarding the towel throughout the match and even chasing off the mischievous ball boys.

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Ultimately, Senegal’s focus paid off. The team held their nerve for 120 minutes, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory and lifting the AFCON trophy once again, while leaving the drama around towels and gamesmanship as one of the talking points of the tournament.