The Super Eagles of Nigeria have left a trail of bitter disappointment after their exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with one fan declaring he has seen enough. The team's journey ended in heartbreak on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following a penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco in the semi-finals.
Heartbreak in Rabat: Eagles Crash Out on Penalties
In a tense and closely-fought match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Nigerian side battled the Atlas Lions to a 0-0 draw after extra time. The deadlock pushed the crucial semi-final tie to penalties, where Nigeria's hopes were dashed. The Super Eagles ultimately fell 4-2 in the shootout, despite a valiant save from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The loss sent Morocco through to the final against Senegal, ending Nigeria's campaign at the penultimate stage.
"I No Go Watch Their Match Ever Again" - Fan's Viral Outburst
The defeat triggered a wave of frustration among supporters, with blogger Fidelis Ozuawala capturing the national mood in a fiery Facebook post. Expressing his profound disappointment, Ozuawala criticized the team for failing to deliver when hopes are highest.
He drew a parallel to the team's performance in the previous AFCON tournament, suggesting a recurring pattern. His post, written in a mix of English and Nigerian Pidgin, read in part: "You put your hope on Nigerian players that’s when they begin to do as if village people Dey control them... I no go watch their match ever again, same year behaviour from last AFCON."
This stark vow to abandon the team he once supported highlights the depth of feeling following the loss.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
Ozuawala's declaration did not go unnoticed, sparking a flurry of reactions from other social media users. While some echoed his frustration, others offered a more tempered perspective or gentle mockery.
Prisca Amara Ewim offered consolation, stating, "They tried Abeg." Meanwhile, Charles Oz and Joshua Chubiyojo Anawo challenged the blogger's stance, with comments like "I for like see you play ball" and "If e easy, enter pitch go play na."
Maazi Obinna Agullah predicted a change of heart, simply stating, "You go still watch am." Other fans, like Tahir Samson Bright, pointed to external factors, noting, "Bro they tried even tho the refs was against them from beginning."
The sentiment of cautious expectation was summed up by Knwledge Il, who said, "Exactly. Na why, na only this their last match I actually pay attention to them, cuz I know say they're not to be trusted."
Davido's Costly Bet and Nwabali's Reaction
The fallout from the match extended beyond emotional distress to significant financial loss for some. Internationally acclaimed Afrobeats star, Davido, lost a staggering ₦75 million (approximately $50,000) on a bet placed through the crypto platform Stake.
His parlay bet, which required a Nigerian victory within 90 minutes, both teams to score, and over 1.5 total goals, collapsed as the match ended goalless in regulation time. The failed bet cost him a potential win of over ₦522 million.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who became a beacon of hope during the shootout with a crucial save, has since reacted to the team's painful exit, acknowledging the support of fans while grappling with the disappointment.
The Super Eagles' AFCON 2025 campaign concludes not with a trophy, but with a national conversation about expectation, heartbreak, and the unwavering, yet often tested, passion of Nigerian football fans.
