Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has revealed what the Egyptian goalkeeper told him moments before he stepped up to take his penalty during their AFCON encounter. According to Iwobi, the brief exchange happened as he placed the ball on the spot, adding to the pressure of the tense moment.

Iwobi said the goalkeeper tried to distract him with words meant to shake his confidence. However, he explained that instead of losing focus, the comment motivated him to stay calm and concentrate fully on the kick. He noted that penalty moments are as much mental battles as they are technical ones.

The Nigeria international added that he had already decided where to place the ball before the keeper spoke to him. He trusted his preparation and experience, blocked out the noise around him, and focused on executing the plan he had rehearsed in training.

Iwobi’s successful penalty helped Nigeria maintain momentum in the match and showed the team’s growing confidence at the tournament. He praised his teammates for their support and said such moments highlight the importance of mental strength at major competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations.