Nigeria’s AFCON campaign concluded with pride following a thrilling third-place playoff victory over Egypt, but new information from the game have reignited online controversy.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed what Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy told him moments before his penalty in the tight shootout.

Nigeria and Egypt faced off in the third-place match on Saturday, January 17, after both suffering semi-final defeats earlier in the tournament.

The Super Eagles barely lost to hosts Morocco, while Egypt were eliminated by eventual champions Senegal.

After 90 minutes of close, goalless game, the match was settled on penalties, with Nigeria hanging on to win 4-2.

Ademola Lookman hit the winning kick, securing the bronze medal and prompting euphoria among Nigerian fans.

However, attention swiftly went to a viral video from the shootout, in which El-Shenawy appears to exchange words with Iwobi prior to his kick.

Iwobi has finally described what actually happened at that point. In a behind-the-scenes Super Eagles film, Lookman addressed him directly, “What did the keeper say to you bro?”

Iwobi replied jokingly: “He said, ‘Iwobi, I know where you’re going to play it. If I save your penalty, you’ll give me your shirt.’ I said no problem🤣”

Despite the attempted mind trick, Iwobi quietly converted his penalty, putting Nigeria solidly in control of the shootout.

Lookman then stepped up to score the final kick, putting an end to Egypt’s struggle and ensuring Nigeria’s triumph.

After disappointing in the semi-finals, Nigeria completed the tournament on a strong note by finishing third.

The triumph revived the squad’s confidence and provided hope for upcoming international matchups.

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