Alex Iwobi has shed light on the tense mind games that unfolded between him and Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir during the penalty shootout that decided the third-place clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria ultimately secured third place after beating Egypt on penalties, following a goalless draw in regular time.
A video from inside the Nigerian team bus after the match captured Iwobi joking with teammate Ademola Lookman about the exchange on the pitch. Lookman asked him, “What did the Egypt goalkeeper say to you?” as the players relaxed and celebrated the win.
Iwobi replied that Shobeir tried to unsettle him with a bold prediction and a request. “He said to me, ‘Iwobi, I know where you will shoot… if I save the penalty, will you give me your shirt?’” the Nigerian star recounted, laughing as he told the story. Iwobi added that he answered calmly: “I told him there’s no problem, I will give you my shirt, my brother.” He then converted his kick and simply walked away smiling.
The dramatic shootout came after a cagey 90 minutes that ended 0-0, with neither Egypt nor Nigeria able to find a breakthrough. Nigeria had earlier lost to Morocco on penalties in the semifinals, while Egypt fell 1-0 to Senegal at the same stage. Senegal went on to lift the trophy with a narrow win over Morocco in the final, sealing the title with a single goal.
The clip of Iwobi’s relaxed reaction to Shobeir’s attempted mind games has since spread widely, highlighting the psychological battles that often decide high-pressure moments in top-level football.
