Fans Slam Super Eagles Goalkeeper Nwabali After Costly Error Against Lesotho

Nigerian football fans have taken to social media to criticise Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for a costly mistake during the team’s 2–1 victory over Lesotho on Friday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Chippa United goalkeeper, who has been Nigeria’s first-choice shot-stopper in recent months, came under fire after mishandling a corner kick in the 83rd minute, allowing Hlompho Kalake to score for Lesotho and briefly threaten the Super Eagles’ lead.

His shaky display continued in stoppage time when a misunderstanding with defender Semi Ajayi almost gifted Lesotho another goal.

Many fans on social media described his performance as reckless and overconfident, calling for him to be benched or replaced in the national squad.

Sports journalist Adepoju Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) wrote, “Nwabali is sick. He needs urgent attention,” while @iSlimfit criticised his decision-making, saying, “Nwabali is very indecisive and arrogantly over-confident.”

Another commentator, Biola Solace-Chukwu (@Beeorlicious), lamented that Nwabali was “trying to give the whole of Nigeria high blood pressure” after his near-blunder in the closing minutes.

Similarly, @Iam_agt (Official AGT) said the 29-year-old had grown too comfortable as first-choice goalkeeper, noting, “He’s made two costly mistakes today. He needs competition.”

Sports analyst Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) added a touch of humour, claiming that Nwabali’s display “has taken years off the lifespan of a population that already has the lowest life expectancy in the world.”

Others echoed the same frustration. @Cerebrone wrote that the goalkeeper “needs serious bench,” adding that “he thinks he can’t be dropped.” Kareem Shamsudeen (@KShamusudeen) called it “terrible goalkeeping,” while Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) said, “Nwabali needs to be punished for this! Totally unacceptable goal!”

Some fans, however, offered more constructive criticism. @TaiwoMajeks urged Nwabali to improve his game management, while @Davidskimaa argued that Nigeria’s goalkeeping depth remains weak, saying, “He’s never been good; we just don’t have better goalkeepers.”

On Instagram, the backlash continued. @aviation_energyltd called for the return of Maduka Okoye, while @okanlawon_231 wrote, “Someone needs to talk sense into Nwabali; he’s overdoing things.”

Others used humour to mask their frustration. @xtrapro_ajikawo joked that Nwabali’s “village people” were after him, and @ismael_akanni4 warned, “Nwabali will kill us one day.”

Despite his error, the Super Eagles secured all three points, with William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams scoring to seal the win. However, Lesotho’s late goal has shaken fans’ confidence ahead of Nigeria’s final qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic. A victory, combined with a favourable result from the South Africa vs Rwanda clash, could see the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.