Iwobi Questions AFCON Third-Place Match After Super Eagles’ Bronze Finish
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has openly expressed reservations about the relevance of a third-place playoff at the Africa Cup of Nations, even after Nigeria secured bronze with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Egypt at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Nigeria edged the Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes, but for Iwobi, the result did little to erase the emotional weight of their semi-final exit. The Fulham star, who was one of Nigeria’s standout performers throughout the tournament, admitted that the encounter was more of a mental battle than a celebration opportunity.
Iwobi featured in six matches at AFCON 2025, missing only Nigeria’s group game against Uganda. While he registered two assists, his influence went far beyond statistics, as he played a central role in the build-up to many of the Super Eagles’ goals. Coming off the bench in the final 25 minutes of the third-place playoff, he calmly converted Nigeria’s decisive penalty to seal the win.
Reflecting on the experience, Iwobi described the game as emotionally draining.
“We wanted to win gold but ended up finishing third. The match was tough mentally because I don’t think a player can completely forget the pain of losing in the semi-finals,” he told beIN SPORTS.
“I also don’t agree with having a third-place game, but in the end, we managed to win it.”
Despite his criticism of the fixture, Iwobi praised Egypt’s quality, singling out Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, whose penalties were brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. He also spoke warmly about Morocco as a host nation, applauding the organisation, hospitality, and overall atmosphere of the tournament.
Opinion: A Honest View from a Player Who Gave His All
Iwobi’s comments strike a chord with many football fans and players who view third-place matches as emotionally awkward fixtures. Coming so soon after a painful semi-final defeat, such games often feel like a reminder of what might have been rather than a true celebration of achievement.
Still, Nigeria’s ability to regroup, fight through the mental strain, and defeat a strong Egyptian side speaks volumes about the character within the Super Eagles squad. While Iwobi may question the value of the match itself, his composure in scoring the winning penalty shows professionalism at the highest level.
In the end, the bronze medal may not have been the ultimate dream, but it offered Nigeria a measure of pride, momentum, and belief—qualities that could prove vital as the Super Eagles look ahead to future challenges.
