SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has come under intense fire from Nigerian football fans following a costly blunder that nearly cost Nigeria three vital points in their 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
News Point Nigeria Sports report that the Chippa United shot-stopper, who has enjoyed a rapid rise as Nigeria’s number one since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, was at the center of controversy after a fumbled corner kick allowed Hlompho Kalake to pull one back for Lesotho in the 83rd minute.
The goal momentarily silenced fans at the packed Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where Nigeria had looked comfortably in control thanks to goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams.
Tension grew even more when Nwabali miscommunicated with defender Semi Ajayi in stoppage time — a lapse that nearly gifted the visitors an equaliser.
Following the match, Nwabali faced a torrent of criticism across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where thousands of fans expressed frustration at what they described as “complacency” and “overconfidence.”
Sports journalist Adepoju Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) did not mince words, writing:
“Nwabali is sick. He needs urgent attention.”
Another user, @iSlimfit, faulted his decision-making, stating:
“Nwabali is very indecisive and arrogantly over-confident.”
@Beeorlicious (Biola Solace-Chukwu) wrote:
“Nwabali trying to give the whole of Nigeria high blood pressure,” referring to the late-game scare.
@Iam_agt argued that the 29-year-old has become too comfortable as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper:
“Two costly mistakes today; his errors are becoming consistent. He needs a competitor.”
Others joined in with biting humour. @TheOddSolace joked that Nwabali’s display “has taken years off the lifespan of a population that already has the lowest life expectancy in the world.”
Similarly, @Cerebrone posted:
“He needs serious bench. It’s like he thinks he can’t be dropped.”
@IbkSports added: “Nwabali needs to be punished for this! This is a totally unacceptable goal for Lesotho!”
Even on Instagram, the criticism continued.
@aviation_energyltd called for the return of Maduka Okoye, writing:
“That guy plays too much with his head like potato ruined our hope.”
Another user, @okanlawon_231, warned: “Someone needs to talk sense into Nwabali’s head, he’s overdoing things.”
While the majority of comments were negative, some voices urged patience.
@TaiwoMajeks advised the goalkeeper to work on his “game management,” while @Davidskimaa noted that “Nwabali has never been great, Nigeria just doesn’t have better goalkeepers.”
Meanwhile, others tried to lighten the mood.
@xtrapro_ajikawo humorously blamed “village people” for the error, while @ismael_akanni4 wrote, “Nwabali will kill us one day.”
Despite the drama, Nigeria held on to secure a crucial 2–1 victory, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
The result leaves the Super Eagles third in Group C with 14 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic.
To qualify automatically, Nigeria must defeat Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday and hope South Africa or Rwanda drop points in their final fixtures.