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Former Super Eagles player, Brown Ideye, stated that custodian Stanley Nwabali should not be held responsible for Gabon’s equalising goal in Nigeria’s 4-1 victory during the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday evening.
Nigeria secured qualification for the mini-tournament as one of the top runners-up in the primary qualifying series.
Eric Chelle’s team placed second to South Africa, which secured the automatic qualification from Group C.
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In the match against the Panthers, the Eagles asserted control in the initial phases but were unable to convert their superiority into a goal.
They were fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty, after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s shirt tug was examined by the VAR pitchside monitor. However, the referee opted against granting a penalty kick.
In the 78th minute of the contest, Adams Akor opened the scoring by capitalising on a lost ball and converting it into an unguarded net.
However, Gabon equalised ten minutes later when Mario Lemina’s deflected shot slipped past Stanley Nwabali.
During his commentary on Super Sports, Brown Ideye stated that Nwabali should not be held accountable for the goal, particularly due to the deflection involved.
“It will be challenging for even the most skilled goalkeepers to save that,” Ideye stated.
“I believe we cannot hold Nwabali accountable for that.” It is deflation. Such occurrences are possible in football. It is understood how a custodian struggles while conceding at his near post.
“It is challenging to hold Nwabali accountable for that.”
Chidera Ejuke converted Wilfred Ndidi’s pass to regain Nigeria’s advantage early in the first half of extra time, followed by Victor Osimhen, who scored twice.
Nigeria will now compete against the victor of the match between DR Congo and Cameroon for the opportunity to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.