Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was clearly unhappy with the time-wasting tactics deployed by their North African counterpart, Libya, in their matchday three encounter in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday.
Nigeria, led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, defeated the Mediterranean Knights 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo thanks to a late second-half strike from Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
However, Nwabali, who barely had anything to do during the course of the game, rushed to social media immediately after the contest to throw a dig at their opponent for their time-wasting antics.
The 28-year-old’s post on X, which included a laughing emoji, read: “Who come wise pass?” which largely translates to “Who is the wisest?”
Who come wise pass? 😂 🦅 🇳🇬
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) October 11, 2024
Many fans have reasons to believe Nwabali’s post was aimed at Libya’s goalkeeper, Murad Al Woheshi, who constantly went down unnecessarily with the aim of slowing down the game and killing time, a tactic that eventually cost him a yellow card.
With time winding down and Woheshi and his Libyan teammates thinking their time-wasting gameplan had earned them a point, up stepped Dele-Bashiru, whose half-volley in the 86th minute broke their hearts to give the Super Eagles a well-deserved win.
The win ensured Nigeria remained at the top of Group D, one point ahead of Benin Republic, who thrashed Rwanda 3-0 in the other match in the group.
Both the Mediterranean Knights and the Super Eagles will lock horns in the reverse fixture in four days time at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Libya.
