La Liga
Alex Iwobi Consoles Brahim Diaz After AFCON Final Penalty Miss
Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has sent a message of support to Morocco and Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz following his missed penalty in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Diaz was at the centre of a dramatic closing sequence in the final against Senegal, after he was fouled in the penalty area during a late Moroccan corner kick. Following protests from the Atlas Lions, the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) before awarding a penalty.
The decision sparked strong reactions from the Senegalese players, who briefly walked off the pitch in protest before captain Sadio Mane urged his teammates to return and complete the match. After a prolonged delay, Diaz stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his Panenka attempt saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal capitalised on the momentum shift, with Pape Sarr scoring the only goal of the final six minutes into extra time to secure the title. Diaz was substituted shortly afterwards.
Speaking on his AFCON Diaries series, Iwobi praised Senegal’s triumph and offered words of encouragement to Diaz, urging patience and perspective in the aftermath of the defeat.
“It’s football. If he scored, he would have been a hero,” Iwobi said. “He’s had a very good tournament, and there will always be another opportunity.”
Iwobi also reflected on Nigeria’s campaign, describing the tournament as memorable after the Super Eagles secured the bronze medal.
Nigeria were eliminated in the semi-finals on penalties by Morocco but went on to defeat Egypt in the third-place playoff, with Iwobi converting his spot kick.
The Fulham midfielder was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, playing a key role throughout the Super Eagles’ run.
