Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed the conversation that ensued between himself and the Egyptian goalkeeper in the AFCON 2025 third-place game, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old was one of Nigeria’s best performers in Morocco, making over 60 line-breaking passes in six games for Eric Chelle’s men, the highest of the tournament.
Iwobi failed to take a spot kick in the Super Eagles’ semi-final clash against Morocco. Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi failed to convert, and as such, the three-time AFCON winners were forced to a third-place tie.
The game against the Pharaohs was cagey as well, and penalties had to decide the bronze medal in Rabat.
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Iwobi: Super Eagles star in war of words with Egypt keeper
Egypt’s Mohammed El Shenawy was in charge of Hossam Hassan’s men up until the semi-final, but was on the bench for the third-place game, with Al Ahly’s Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir stepping in.
The 25-year-old denied Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from twelve yards, but was unable to stop Akor Adams and Moses Simon’s spot kicks.
Iwobi was the fourth Nigerian player to step up. The pair were engaged in a discussion before the former Arsenal man sent his penalty to the right, while Shobeir went the other way.
Yo @alexiwobi that was cold 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wvycc2FByD
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 18, 2026
Ademola Lookman scored Nigeria’s 5th spot kick, ensuring a 9th bronze medal. Iwobi, speaking on his AFCON Diaries series, revealed the Egyptian goalkeeper challenged him, saying if he saved the midfielder’s penalty, he’d get a jersey from the Fulham man.
Iwobi, Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze have now returned to their club sides, and their head coach, Marco Silva, is delighted, revealing the Cottagers will be stronger upon the return of the Nigerian trio.