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CAF are considering new guidelines on goalkeeper towel use after a controversial incident involving Super Eagles star Stanley Nwabali at AFCON 2025.
The debate has intensified following viral footage that many Nigerian fans believe showed unsporting behaviour by Morocco’s technical staff.
Viral towel incidents spark outrage
Shocking video from Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semi-final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium showed Nwabali’s personal towel being removed twice from his goal area.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper uses the towel as part of his pre-match and penalty shootout routine, helping him manage sweat, grip, and focus under pressure.
Footage captured a Moroccan steward removing Nwabali’s black towel during warm-ups. Later, as Nigeria prepared for the penalty shootout, a second white towel was also taken from the goalpost in similar fashion.
Nigerian fans reacted angrily online, branding the actions as psychological gamesmanship and a lack of fair play.
One supporter wrote: “They have no respect for the opposing team! Nor for the anthem! Nor for the supporters! Nor for football at all! No fair play!” Another added: “Why are they taking Nwabali’s towels? CAF_Online are stewards now allowed to step into the field of play?”
CAF referees chief responds and hints at rule change
CAF referees chief Olivier Safari later addressed the issue, referencing both the Nwabali incident and a similar moment in the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, where players argued after a towel belonging to goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was targeted.
Speaking to Canal+ Sport Afrique, Safari said the matter should be reviewed. He explained that a towel is not part of a goalkeeper’s official equipment and stressed that it must be used fairly. If it causes disruption or protests, he believes it should be removed.
Olivier Safari, head of the CAF Referees Committee, has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the "towel incident" during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, stating that such items must be removed if they disrupt the game.
— Hespress English (@HespressEnglish) January 27, 2026
Speaking to Canal+ Sport Afrique,… pic.twitter.com/VmfonHfxgV
Safari’s comments have opened the door for CAF to potentially limit or ban towels during matches if they continue to spark tension.
While some fans see the move as unnecessary, others argue that clearer rules are needed to prevent future flashpoints in high-pressure situations.
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