Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali found himself at the center of a storm after a costly error in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, on Friday.
Nwabali’s mistake sparked widespread criticism, which followed him back to Uyo, where fans jeered him upon the team’s arrival.
The drama unfolded in the closing stages of Nigeria’s hard-fought win at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Leading 2-0 through a William Troost-Ekong penalty and a debut goal from substitute Akor Adams, the Super Eagles seemed poised for a comfortable victory.
But in the 83rd minute, Nwabali misjudged a routine corner, flapping at the ball and allowing
Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake to dink it into an empty net.
The error, which cut Nigeria’s lead to 2-1, was compounded in stoppage time when a mix-up with defender Semi Ajayi, but was let off the hook as Fusi Matlabe narrowly missed.
Social media erupted, with clips of the fumble racking up thousands of views on X, as fans
questioned Nwabali’s reliability.
The criticism intensified when the team landed in Uyo on Sunday for their final qualifier against Benin.
Videos showed frustrated supporters at the airport and team hotel shouting “No more mistakes!” and “Calm down o!” as Nwabali stepped off the bus.
The goalkeeper’s recent disciplinary lapse—a yellow card for an altercation with Rwanda’s Innocent Nshuti in a 1-0 win last month—fueled further discontent, with some fans calling him “reckless.”
Despite the backlash, Eric Chelle has firmly backed his goalkeeper as Nigeria prepares for a crucial clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday.
Nigeria must beat Benin by at least two goals while hoping South Africa stumbles against Rwanda to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive.
In his post-match press conference after the Lesotho game, Chelle was resolute in his support
for Nwabali.
Also read: Ademola Lookman Suspended for Super Eagles’ Crucial World Cup Qualifier vs Benin Republic
“We showed character to get the three points, but we know we can’t afford slips like that late
on. The focus now is Benin—everybody can go to the World Cup, but we need to stay aggressive and united. Mistakes happen, but our mentality is strong.”
Troost-Ekong echoed his coach:
“We’re a team, and we stick together. Stanley has made big saves for us in this campaign—against Rwanda, South Africa, even last year.
“One mistake doesn’t change that. We need him, and he’ll be ready for Benin.”
With Nigeria trailing Group C leaders Benin by three points and South Africa by one, Nwabali is expected to start in Uyo, where a strong performance could silence his critics.
