Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has sent words of encouragement to Morocco and Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz after his dramatic penalty miss in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The Taranga Lions triumphed over the North Africa football heavyweights in a chaotic final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.
Senegal had left the field after referee Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty kick to Morocco, minutes after disallowing a goal for the Taranga Lions.
But Mane urged his teammates to return to the pitch for the continuation of the match. Their return paid off with Pape Gueye netting the match winner after Brahim Diaz had squandered a golden penalty kick.
Speaking on his AFCON Diaries series, Iwobi congratulated the champions and showed empathy for Diaz.
“Shout out to Senegal, they deserved the win… amazing to get the bronze,” he said. “Shout out to Brahim Diaz as well… if he scored, he would’ve been a hero… please, allow him, it’s football.”
Despite missing out on the title, the Real Madrid star managed to finish the tournament as the top scorer with five goals.
