Connect with us

Sport

CAF Plans Towel Ban for Goalkeepers After Nwabali-Mendy Saga at AFCON 2025

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sport

WAFCON 2026: Cameroon Make History With First Title After 3-0 Win Over Malawi

Published

on

Cameroon have made history by winning their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the 2026 final in Rabat, Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant first-half performance to secure the continental crown, with Marie Ngah scoring twice before Naomi Ndjoah Eto added the third goal.

The victory ends Cameroon’s long wait for the women’s continental championship. The team had previously reached the final on three occasions but failed to lift the trophy. Their fourth appearance in the final finally delivered the title.

Ngah’s Double Puts Cameroon in Control

Cameroon established control of the final during the opening half, with Ngah finding the net twice to put her side in a commanding position.

Eto then completed the scoring, giving Cameroon a three-goal advantage before the interval. Malawi were unable to produce a comeback as Cameroon’s defence maintained its composure throughout the second half.

The result was particularly significant for Malawi, who were appearing in the WAFCON tournament for the first time and had produced one of the competition’s biggest surprises by reaching the final.

Historic Run for Malawi

Malawi’s journey to the final was remarkable considering their ranking and lack of previous WAFCON final experience. Ranked 153rd in the world, they became the lowest-ranked team to reach a WAFCON final.

The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, were among the key figures behind Malawi’s impressive campaign, with their goals helping the team advance deep into the competition.

Although they ultimately fell short against Cameroon, Malawi’s run represented a landmark achievement for women’s football in the country.

Cameroon Overcome Nigeria and Morocco

Cameroon’s path to the trophy included victories over two of the tournament’s leading teams.

The Indomitable Lionesses eliminated defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals before overcoming hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. They then completed their remarkable campaign by defeating Malawi in the final.

Cameroon also finished the tournament with one of the strongest defensive records, conceding only two goals throughout the competition and none during the knockout stage.

Ngock Named Woman of the Competition

Cameroon’s Monique Ngock was named the Woman of the Competition after an outstanding tournament.

Ngock played a key role in Cameroon’s successful campaign, starting five of their six matches and contributing an assist during the tournament.

Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, meanwhile, finished the tournament as the Golden Boot winner, highlighting the individual quality that helped drive Malawi’s historic campaign.

Cameroon’s triumph marks a new chapter in the country’s women’s football history and gives the Indomitable Lionesses their long-awaited first WAFCON crown.

Continue Reading

Sport

Jessica Oji Makes History With World U20 Shot Put Gold for Nigeria

Published

on

Nigeria’s Jessica Oji has achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, winning gold in the women’s shot put and becoming the country’s first-ever champion in a field event at the competition.

The 19-year-old produced a winning mark of 18.08 metres to secure the title in impressive fashion. Oji was the only competitor in the final to surpass the 18-metre barrier, underlining her dominance throughout the competition.

Oji opened the final with an 18.05m throw before improving to her winning distance of 18.08m. She followed that with 17.95m and 18.07m, while two of her attempts were recorded as fouls. Her consistency was enough to keep her ahead of the field and secure the gold medal.

The victory marks a breakthrough for Nigeria in the field events at the World U20 Championships. Before Oji’s triumph, the country’s previous field-event medals at the competition were Esther Aghatise’s long-jump silver in 2002 and Chinecherem Nnamdi’s javelin bronze in 2021.

Oji’s achievement comes during an extraordinary year in which she switched her international allegiance from the United States to Nigeria. She has quickly established herself as one of the country’s brightest young field-event talents.

Her World U20 triumph also comes shortly after another major international achievement. Oji won silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, adding a senior-level medal to her growing collection before claiming the world junior title in Oregon.

The historic performance provides another major boost for Nigerian athletics, particularly in the field events, where the country has traditionally enjoyed greater success in sprinting and jumping disciplines. At just 19, Oji has already created a new chapter in Nigeria’s World U20 championship history.

Continue Reading

Sport

Infantino Receives Backing to Remain FIFA President After Crisis Meeting

Published

on

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received strong backing from senior football officials following an emergency meeting convened to address mounting concerns over his leadership. The meeting ended with broad internal support for Infantino to continue serving as president of world football’s governing body.

The crisis meeting was called after weeks of criticism surrounding FIFA’s governance and decision-making. Despite the pressure, members of FIFA’s leadership expressed confidence in Infantino, describing him as the right person to guide the organisation through its current challenges.

According to officials who attended the meeting, there were no formal moves to remove Infantino from office. Instead, participants agreed that maintaining stability within FIFA was essential as the organisation continues preparations for major international competitions and pursues ongoing reforms.

Infantino thanked FIFA officials for their confidence and reiterated his commitment to strengthening transparency, promoting the growth of football worldwide and delivering successful tournaments. He also pledged to continue working with member associations to address concerns raised during the discussions.

The outcome of the meeting effectively reinforces Infantino’s position as FIFA president, easing immediate uncertainty over the organisation’s leadership while attention shifts back to the sport’s global calendar and upcoming competitions.

Continue Reading

Trending