Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali apologised to Nigerians after Nigeria’s World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo, saying the team gave everything but their best “wasn’t enough.”
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff, according to a report from PUNCH.
Nigeria fell 4–3 on penalties after the match ended 1–1 following extra time, ending the country’s hopes of qualifying for the global tournament.
Nwabali, who saved two penalty kicks during the shootout, could not prevent the loss as Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all missed their spot kicks. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to send his team into the intercontinental playoff.
Reacting after the match in a post on Instagram, the Chippa United goalkeeper expressed deep disappointment, noting that he once supported the Super Eagles as a fan and understood the pain of the defeat.
“I was once a fan before becoming a player and I know how it feels giving you a disappointing night,” he wrote. He added that the players “take full responsibility,” acknowledging that the team’s “best wasn’t enough” despite their efforts.
Nwabali also stressed that the squad “gave everything for the badge,” assuring supporters that the team fought hard to secure qualification but fell short in the crucial moments.
The loss marks another setback for Nigeria, which had been hoping to return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition.