Nigeria playmaker Alex Iwobi has revealed the details of a brief exchange with Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir moments before he took his penalty during the third-place play-off at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs could not be separated after 90 minutes, with the contest ending goalless before Nigeria eventually claimed a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout to secure their ninth AFCON bronze medal.
The match itself was tight and often cagey, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and creating few clear chances.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the first half through Akor Adams, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Paul Onuachu in the build-up. From then on, the game settled into a tense stalemate, with both teams appearing wary of making the decisive mistake.
For Egypt, Shobeir was handed a rare start, making only his second appearance of the tournament. The 25-year-old Al Ahly goalkeeper had spent most of the competition as understudy to the experienced Ahmed El Shenawy, but he was trusted with the gloves for the play-off.
Iwobi, one of Nigeria’s outstanding performers throughout the tournament, began the game on the bench. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle opted to rest the Fulham midfielder, allowing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika to anchor the midfield.
However, with Nigeria pushing for a late winner, Iwobi was introduced in the 65th minute, replacing Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Despite the late pressure, neither side could find the breakthrough and the match drifted towards penalties. When the shootout began, it was Egypt who struck first psychologically, as Shobeir saved Dele-Bashiru’s opening kick. But the momentum soon swung Nigeria’s way after Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced two crucial saves, denying both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
By the time Iwobi walked forward to take his kick, Nigeria were leading 2-1 thanks to successful efforts from Akor Adams and Moses Simon. It was a pivotal moment in the shootout, and Shobeir attempted to gain an edge with a bit of last-minute mind games.
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What Oufa Shobeir told Alex Iwobi
As Iwobi approached the spot, the Egypt goalkeeper struck up a conversation, the details of which the Nigerian star later shared in his AFCON diaries.
Super Eagles star said Shobeir told him,
“Iwobi, I know where you are going to go. If I save your penalty, you give me your shirt.
“I said, ‘No problem, I'll give you my shirt, bro.'
“Then he said, ‘Okay, let's go.' I just laughed.”
It was a moment that summed up the tension and the theatre of a penalty shootout, where psychology can be just as important as technique. In the end, Iwobi had the last laugh. The Fulham midfielder calmly sent Shobeir the wrong way, keeping Nigeria in front and restoring their advantage.
With the pressure back on Egypt, Nigeria sensed their chance to finish the job. When Ademola Lookman later stepped up and converted Nigeria’s fourth penalty, the Super Eagles’ victory was confirmed, sealing a 4-2 shootout win and another bronze medal to add to their rich AFCON history.
