Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has sent a message of encouragement to Morocco’s Brahim Diaz following the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Iwobi, 29, was among Nigeria’s standout performers in Morocco, completing over 60 line-breaking passes across six matches under coach Eric Chelle — the highest of any player in the tournament.
His performances earned him a place in AFCON 2025 team of the tournament.
Brahim Diaz, who finished as Morocco’s top scorer with five goals, endured heartbreak in the final against Senegal.
In stoppage time, a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco after Malick Diouf brought Diaz down in the box.
Senegal’s players initially protested and left the pitch under the direction of coach Pape Thiaw, before Sadio Mané persuaded them to return and complete the match.
Brahim Díaz.
The @PUMA Top Scorer with 5 goals. 🌟🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @pumafootball pic.twitter.com/fibA20EaKf— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
When the moment came, Diaz attempted a Panenka penalty, only for the ball to fall straight into Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s arms.
Diaz’s frustration was visible as he buried his face in his hands.
The heartbreak deepened when Pape Sarr scored the only goal in extra time, handing Senegal a 1-0 victory.
Reflecting on the dramatic end, Iwobi offered support to the Moroccan star.
“A message for Brahim Diaz too, of course. He’s going through a tough time right now. Taking that penalty like that… if he’d scored, he would have been a hero. The problem is, he missed. Leave him alone, that’s football. My message to him is that what’s done is done. He had a very good tournament. He should continue his work at his club,” Iwobi wrote in his AFCON diaries column.
Iwoibi also paid tribute to the champions, adding: “Great respect to Senegal, they deserved the victory. This AFCON will remain memorable. It’s an honor to represent my country, and winning bronze is incredible.”
He concluded with a note of hope for Diaz: “Obviously, these moments are hard to forget, but there will always be another opportunity.”
