Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has tendered an emotional apology to Nigerians following the team’s heartbreaking loss to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff. The goalkeeper admitted that “our best wasn’t enough” as Nigeria failed to secure a World Cup ticket.
Nigeria’s campaign came to an end after a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout defeat in the African playoff final. The match had ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing both sides into a tense shootout.
Nwabali, one of the standout performers on the night, saved two penalty kicks, giving fans a glimmer of hope. However, missed efforts from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi proved costly. DR Congo’s captain, Chancel Mbemba, later converted the decisive spot-kick, sending his team into the intercontinental playoffs.
In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, Nwabali said he fully understood the pain Nigerians felt. The goalkeeper, who once supported the Super Eagles as a fan, wrote that he knows “how it feels giving you a disappointing night.” He added that the team fought hard and “gave everything for the badge,” but ultimately, “our best wasn’t enough.”
Nwabali assured fans that the players take full responsibility for the defeat, promising that the setback will only strengthen the team moving forward.
