Sport
CAF Plans Towel Ban for Goalkeepers After Nwabali-Mendy Saga at AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football is planning to enforce stricter regulations banning goalkeepers from using towels in their goal areas following the controversial incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
CAF’s head of referees, Olivier Safari Kabene, has declared that towels will no longer be permitted behind goalposts, describing them as tools for gamesmanship and psychological distraction that violate the Laws of the Game.
The announcement comes after Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Senegalese shot-stopper Édouard Mendy were repeatedly targeted by Moroccan ball boys, security personnel and even players who removed their towels during crucial matches at the tournament.
Speaking to Canal+ Sports Afrique, Kabene stated: “It is very simple, and we have been clear with our match officials. According to the Laws of the Game, the field of play must remain clear of any foreign objects that are not part of the players’ equipment. A towel is not considered player equipment. It is not a jersey, it is not a pair of shorts, and it is not a pair of gloves.”
The CAF official added that while goalkeepers may bring towels, they must be used in a sporting manner without influencing the game. He suggested that as soon as a goalkeeper starts shouting or affecting play, the towel should be removed from the field.
The towel controversy reached its peak during Nigeria’s semi-final against Morocco, where Nwabali had his towels stolen multiple times by ball boys and stadium officials. The Chippa United goalkeeper responded with an explicit middle-finger gesture toward the Moroccan crowd, which has now landed him in potential disciplinary trouble.
Nwabali later mocked the incident on social media after Morocco lost the final to Senegal, writing in pidgin English: “Make Una use all my towel Una carry wipe Una tears” (Use all the towels you took to wipe your tears).
The situation escalated further during the final between Senegal and Morocco, where reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf became an unlikely hero by physically protecting Mendy’s towels throughout the match in rainy conditions.
Video footage showed Diouf wrestling with ball boys and being dragged across the pitch as he attempted to safeguard the towels. At one point, he had to fend off PSV Eindhoven winger Ismael Saibari, who stood between him and Mendy while trying to hand over the towel.
Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi was also caught on camera throwing Mendy’s towel away during the match, an action that sparked widespread condemnation across African football.
Diouf later explained the bizarre confrontation: “Imagine, a ball boy told me, ‘Be fair play.’ I replied, ‘Fair play in what way? You’re the ones taking the towels, and I’m the one being unfair when all I’m doing is handing out towels?’ I’m surprised, I don’t understand.”
According to reports, CAF has charged both Nwabali and potentially other players involved in the towel incidents, with sanctions expected to be announced following formal disciplinary proceedings.
However, Kabene’s comments have sparked outrage among fans and analysts who argue that the goalkeepers were victims rather than perpetrators. Many pointed out that Nwabali and Mendy kept their towels behind the goal where they did not interfere with play, and were merely trying to maintain grip in wet conditions.
Football fans have criticized CAF for appearing to punish goalkeepers rather than addressing the unsporting behavior of Moroccan officials, ball boys and players who orchestrated the towel thefts.
The proposed ban has been labeled unpopular, with critics arguing that it penalizes goalkeepers for seeking basic comfort and functionality during matches, particularly in adverse weather conditions where maintaining grip is essential for performance and safety.
Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.
Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.
The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.
Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.
The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.
Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.
Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.
The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.
The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.
Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.
The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.
Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.
The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.
After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.
Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.
Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.
The substitutions quickly paid off.
In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.
The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.
Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.
The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.
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