Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria were beaten 4-3 on penalties by DR Congo in the final of the African playoffs after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
Nwabali saved two penalties during the shootout, but the efforts were not enough to make up for missed kicks by Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi. Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to send DR Congo into the intercontinental playoffs.
In a message posted on Instagram, Nwabali said the players “did our best for the badge” but admitted their “best wasn’t enough”. He added that he once supported the Super Eagles as a fan and understands the disappointment the result brings, saying the squad “take full responsibility”.
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It is the second consecutive World Cup Nigeria will miss after also failing to qualify in 2022. Preparations for the playoff match were overshadowed by controversy, including a training boycott by the players over unpaid allowances, which was only resolved a day later after intervention by the Nigeria Football Federation.
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