CAF Probes Nwabali Over Gesture in AFCON 2025 Semi-Final

Nigeria’s Super Eagles could face disciplinary fallout after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was accused of making inappropriate gestures towards the Moroccan crowd during their semi-final clash at AFCON 2025.

The tense encounter in Rabat ended goalless before Morocco triumphed 4-2 on penalties, but controversy erupted off the pitch when video footage appeared to show Nwabali reacting to hostile fans in the stands.

Insider Micky Jnr reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened a procedure to review the images, with one alleged incident involving a middle finger directed at the home supporters.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was heavily tilted in Morocco’s favour, and Nigerian sources suggest Nwabali may have been responding to provocation. Still, CAF has historically taken a hard line against actions deemed offensive to the public, regardless of context.

The goalkeeper, who was central to Nigeria’s run to the last four, now finds himself at the heart of a disciplinary storm. CAF is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming days after completing its review.

For now, indications are that Nwabali will remain eligible to feature in Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca.