Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s goalkeeper, has bemoaned the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, calling it a dismal and painful finale.
He did, however, apologize to Nigerians for their loss.
Nwabali revealed his status in an Instagram post.
Nigeria took the lead in the 18th minute with a header from William Troost-Ekong, but Cote d’Ivoire equalized in the 63rd minute and won in the 87th minute, causing jubilation among the hosts and their fans at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Nwabali shared a picture of himself looking disheartened on the pitch, accompanied by the caption:
“A disappointing and frustrating end. I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still a fan and I understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night. We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all “