The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has come under fire for a costly late error.
Nigeria needed the three points to stay alive in Group C, and goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams delivered just that. However, Nwabali’s blunder allowed Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake to score a soft goal, reducing Nigeria’s goal difference and sparking furious reactions across social media.
The incident came from a routine corner kick. Instead of collecting cleanly, Nwabali spilled the ball into the path of Kalake, who gratefully tapped in. For a goalkeeper who has been praised in the past for his composure, this lapse could not have come at a worse time.
One fan raged: “Nwabali is not a goalkeeper! He will cost us the World Cup.”
Another added: “How do you fumble such a simple ball at this stage? He is unserious.”
The late goal has far-reaching consequences. Nigeria sits on 14 points, just behind Benin (17 points) and South Africa (15 points). With only one World Cup ticket available from the group, goal difference could prove decisive.
Nigeria’s current GD: +3
Benin’s GD: +5
Nwabali’s error literally shaved off one vital goal from Nigeria’s tally, potentially gifting Benin the edge ahead of next week’s all-important clash in Uyo.
The Super Eagles now face a must-win final game against Benin, who lead the group. The margin for error is zero. Every goal counts — both scored and conceded.
For Nwabali, it is a test of character. Can he bounce back under the intense spotlight, or will this mistake define Nigeria’s World Cup campaign?
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