Soccer
Akor Adams and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali celebrates securing third place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Copyright: Imago
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against Morocco saw Stanley Nwabali‘s towel taken from him multiple times by pitch-side staff, before the Atlas Lions repeated the feat in the final against Senegal, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Chippa United goalkeeper denied Hamza Igamane from twelve yards, but it wasn’t enough for the Super Eagles to secure a win. While the same feat happened in the final against Senegal, this time with players like Ismael Saibari getting involved with Edouard Mendy’s towels.
Achraf Hakimi has now cleared the air about the situation that happened at the AFCON, revealing it wasn’t an act to be proud of.
Soccer Achraf Hakimi speaks on towel incident with Stanley Nwabali
A few weeks ago, CAF announced that Morocco have been crowned winners of the AFCON 2025 tournament, due to Senegal’s staged walk-out at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
With the Atlas Lions now African Champions, Senegal filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports, while hoisting the AFCON title in their friendly games last month.
Hakimi, however, has come out to clear the air about the clash between the Moroccan players, staff, and other goalkeepers during the tournament.
“They were difficult moments, charged with tension inside the stadium. I don’t feel proud of the image we showed because of the towel incident,” the Paris Saint-Germain full-back told Movistar in quotes revealed by Goal.
“Still, the team presented a good competitive showing. We respected the opponent and the tournament.”
Quizzed about CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON title, the former Borussia Dortmund defender said;
“What should happen is currently being assessed, and we hope a decision is taken that serves the interests of African football.
“We hope to get the title because we deserve it, and because you can’t leave the pitch that way,” Hakimi concluded.
Stanley Nwabali opted to part ways with Chippa United after the AFCON 2025 tournament and has been without a club since then.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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