Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff, saying the squad “gave everything for the badge.”
Nigeria’s qualification bid ended on Sunday after a 4–3 penalty shootout loss in the African playoff final. The match had finished 1–1 after extra time.
Nwabali saved two penalties during the shootout, but misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi proved costly. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive kick to send his team into the intercontinental playoffs.
In a post on Instagram shortly after the match, Nwabali said he understood the disappointment felt by fans, recalling that he once supported the Super Eagles from the stands. “Our best wasn’t enough,” he wrote, adding that the players “take full responsibility” for the outcome.
