Nwabali towel incident triggers CAF rule clarification at AFCON

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been drawn into a rules debate after CAF officials stepped in over a towel incident during AFCON preparations in January 2026. Match officials ruled that written notes on towels, often used during penalty shootouts, violate CAF regulations.

The clarification followed comparisons with Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez at the 2022 World Cup, with CAF stressing the rule is meant to prevent external influence. “Goalkeepers are not allowed to receive tactical assistance from objects,” a CAF official said.

Nwabali, who impressed with several clean sheets in Nigeria’s recent AFCON run, dismissed the issue. “I respect the rules and I’ll adapt,” he said. Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh supported the stance, adding that “fair play must come first.”