Monday 19/January/2026 – 10:31 AM
Replayed footage circulated on social media over the past few days of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations matches MoroccoControversy over some strange rituals in African football, after observers noticed a number of players and goalkeepers using towels next to the goal in more than one match.
Several video clips were spread showing the presence of towels carefully placed near some of the goalkeepers of the African teams, the most prominent of which was Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili in the Morocco match, which opened the door to speculation among the fans, especially in light of common beliefs within African football linking these tools to myths or attempts at psychological influence before and during matches.
Although the use of a towel may be for natural reasons, such as drying sweat or catching the ball better, a part of the fans sees the matter from a different angle, considering that some African teams or players resort to mental or symbolic means that give them a psychological advantage on the field, and these beliefs are not new to African football, as similar accusations have previously been raised in previous tournaments, whether using strange tools, or incomprehensible rituals before the start of matches.
The incident of the Nigerian goalkeeper in the Morocco match raises doubts
One of the most controversial scenes recently was the appearance of Nigerian national team goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili placing a towel next to him, and fans circulated on social media that the towel contained notes and numbers of players specialized in taking penalty kicks.
According to what was reported, the towel disappeared during the match, as it was picked up by some of the Moroccans organizing the tournament, taking advantage of the absence of Stanley Nawalbile in his place, which sparked a wave of sarcastic comments and accusations.
The Nigerian goalkeeper responded to this behavior after the end of the African Cup of Nations yesterday, with Morocco losing to Senegal 1-0, as Astori posted on his official Instagram account, saying: Use my towel that you are carrying to wipe your tears.
Repeat the same thing with the Senegal goalkeeper in the Morocco match
The same thing happened with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during yesterday’s match between Morocco and Senegal in the African Cup of Nations final, as camera footage showed moments of Edouard Mendy’s towel being stolen by some Moroccan organizers and ball carriers.
African goalkeepers usually use this towel to cover the water bottle during penalty kicks, on which is written the card of the players who took the penalties and the locations of the penalty kicks. To make things easier for them, this is what Mohamed Abu Jabal, the Egyptian national team goalkeeper, did in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
