Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has defended goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, insisting he should not be held responsible for Gabon’s equalizer during Nigeria’s 4-1 victory in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday.
Nigeria earned their place in the mini-tournament as one of the best runners-up in the main qualifying series, with Eric Chelle’s side finishing behind South Africa, who secured the automatic Group C spot.
The Eagles controlled the early stages of the game against the Panthers but struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
Nigeria also escaped a potential penalty after a tug on Bright Osayi-Samuel’s shirt was reviewed via VAR, with the referee ultimately declining to award a spot-kick.
Adams Akor broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, calmly slotting a loose ball into an empty net.
However, Gabon responded ten minutes later, with Mario Lemina’s deflected shot sneaking past Nwabali.
Speaking on Super Sports, Brown Ideye, who was part of the punditry team, said Nwabali should not be blamed for the goal, emphasizing the role of the deflection.
“Even the best goalkeepers it will be difficult for them to save that,” Ideye said.
“I think we can’t blame Nwabali for that. You know, it’s deflection. It can happen in football. You know how it is when the goalkeeper is beating in his near post.
“It’s difficult to blame Nwabali for that.”
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead early in the first-half of extra time, finishing off a precise pass from Wilfred Ndidi, before Victor Osimhen added a brace to seal the win.
Nigeria will now face DR Congo to determine who will advance to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
