Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has questioned the need for a third-place playoff at the Africa Cup of Nations, describing the fixture as mentally taxing after the disappointment of missing out on the final.
The Super Eagles secured the bronze medal by beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Iwobi said the team entered the match under a cloud of uncertainty after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
“We were surrounded by doubts after failing to qualify for the World Cup. We wanted to win gold and ended up finishing third.”
He added that the game was difficult to approach after the emotional blow of the semi-final defeat.
“The match was mentally difficult, because I don’t think a player can get rid of the effect of a loss in the semi-finals, and I don’t agree with holding a third-place match, but in the end we won it.”
Iwobi also praised Egypt’s performance, noting that Nigeria had prepared thoroughly for the encounter.
“The Egyptian national team played a strong match, and we studied and watched footage of them in preparation for the match.”
On Morocco, the midfielder said he enjoyed the country’s hospitality and was impressed by the facilities.
“Morocco is a beautiful country, with beautiful stadiums and beautiful hotels. I enjoyed the hospitality and visited the city of Marrakech and was impressed by what I saw.”
The victory marks Nigeria’s eighth third-place finish in AFCON history, and extends their unbeaten record in third-place matches. Egypt, meanwhile, finished fourth for the fourth time in the competition, having previously ended in that position in 1976, 1980, and 1984.
