Super Eagles’ Alex Iwobi Questions Value of AFCON Third-Place Playoff

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Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has raised doubts about the significance of a third-place match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite Nigeria securing bronze after a penalty shootout win over Egypt in the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Gossip News Now reports that Nigeria claimed third place following a 4-2 shootout victory, but Iwobi suggested the fixture carries limited importance, particularly after the emotional toll of their semi-final defeat.

The Fulham midfielder was a key figure throughout the competition, starting every match except the group game against Uganda. He contributed two assists across six appearances and played a central role in Nigeria’s attacking build-up at AFCON 2025. During the third-place playoff, he came off the bench in the final 25 minutes and calmly converted the decisive penalty to secure victory.

Speaking after the match, Iwobi admitted the occasion was mentally challenging for the squad, given the lingering disappointment of their semi-final exit to hosts Morocco.

“We were surrounded by doubts after not making it to the World Cup,” Iwobi told beIN SPORTS.

“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.

“I also don’t agree with having a third-place game, but in the end, we managed to win it.”

Iwobi also praised the quality of the Egyptian squad, highlighting Premier League forwards Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, both of whom had their penalties saved by Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali during the shootout.

“The Egyptian team played well, and we studied videos to prepare for the match. Morocco is a beautiful country with excellent stadiums and hotels,” he said.

“I really appreciated the welcome I received and visited Marrakech, which left me impressed by everything I saw.”

Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish capped a strong tournament, although the squad fell short of their ultimate goal. Forward Ademola Lookman echoed that sentiment, admitting the team arrived with one clear objective.

“Everyone wanted to win the gold medal. We came for the trophy, but it didn’t happen,” Lookman said.

“We leave the tournament with the bronze medal, and that is enough.”

Lookman was Nigeria’s most productive player at AFCON 2025, scoring three goals and providing four assists—the highest combined tally in the competition—earning him strong consideration for the official Team of the Tournament.

Prior to their semi-final heartbreak against Morocco, Nigeria had been the only unbeaten side in the tournament, winning all five of their matches. Their flawless run ended in a dramatic penalty shootout loss to the hosts, denying the three-time African champions a spot in the final.

The Super Eagles have now finished third at AFCON on nine occasions: 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2019, and most recently in Morocco.