AFCON 2025: Alex Iwobi Reveals Penalty Shootout Mind Games With Egypt Goalie

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed the full details of a brief but telling exchange with Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir moments before he took his penalty during Nigeria’s third-place play-off at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria edged Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time, sealing their ninth AFCON bronze medal. The encounter was a tight, tactical contest, with both sides cancelling each other out and creating few clear chances.

Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock in the first half when Akor Adams scored, 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.

Egypt goalkeeper Shobeir was handed a rare start, making only his second appearance of the tournament.

The Al Ahly shot-stopper made an immediate impact in the shootout, saving Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s opening kick to give Egypt an early edge.

However, Nigeria quickly wrestled back control as Stanley Nwabali produced two crucial saves, denying Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, swinging momentum firmly in the Super Eagles’ favour.

Iwobi, who started the match on the bench and came on in the 65th minute, stepped up to take Nigeria’s third penalty with his side leading 2–1.

Speaking later on his AFCON Diaries series, the Fulham midfielder disclosed the exact words exchanged between himself and Shobeir at the spot.

According to Iwobi, the Egypt goalkeeper tried to play mind games, telling him: “Iwobi, I know where you are going to go. If I save your penalty, you give me your shirt.”

Iwobi said he accepted the challenge without hesitation.  “I said, ‘No problem, I’ll give you my shirt, bro.’”

Shobeir then replied: “Okay, let’s go.”

Iwobi added: “I just laughed.”

The Nigerian playmaker then calmly converted his kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to keep Nigeria in front.

With the pressure firmly back on Egypt, Nigeria closed out the shootout when Ademola Lookman converted the decisive penalty, confirming a 4–2 shootout victory and rounding off the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 campaign with a podium finish.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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