‘I know where you are going to go’ - Iwobi reveals bet he made with Egypt goalkeeper during penalty shootout

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi shared details of his bet with Egypt's goalkeeper, Oufa Shobeir, just moments before his crucial penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff.

The Super Eagles secured their ninth AFCON bronze medal after a goalless draw against the Pharaohs in Morocco led to a dramatic penalty shootout, which Nigeria won 4-2.

The match itself was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities and game ended in a stalemate, with neither side willing to risk a costly error.

The game went into a penalty shootout and Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made two outstanding saves to deny both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Shobeir's shirt bet with Iwobi

The Super Eagles star has detailed in his AFCON diaries the conversation that the Egyptian goalkeeper started with him just as he was setting the ball for the penalty kick.

"Iwobi, I know where you are going to go," Shobeir said. "If I save your penalty, you give me your shirt."

"I said, ‘No problem, I'll give you my shirt, bro,’" Iwobi recalled. "Then he said, ‘Okay, let's go.’ I just laughed."

The exchange highlighted the psychological warfare common in penalty shootouts, where mental strength is as vital as technical skill. Ultimately, Iwobi remained unfazed. 

He calmly sent Shobeir the wrong way, extending Nigeria's lead and putting the pressure firmly back on Egypt.

Ademola Lookman later converted Nigeria's fourth penalty, sealing the 4-2 shootout victory and confirming another bronze medal for the Super Eagles' impressive AFCON collection.

For Egypt, the match marked a rare start for 25-year-old Al Ahly keeper Oufa Shobeir, his second appearance of the tournament. 

Having served as backup to the more experienced Ahmed El Shenawy, he was given the responsibility for the playoff match.