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Alex Iwobi Reveals Egypt Keeper’s AFCON 2025 Mind Games

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Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi recalls brief AFCON 2025 exchange with Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir before scoring penalty to secure Nigeria’s bronze medal

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed details of a brief conversation he shared with Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir during the penalty shootout in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off last Saturday.

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Also read: Alex Iwobi sets new Premier League record for Nigeria

The contest between Nigeria and Egypt remained goalless after 90 minutes, leading to a shootout in which the Super Eagles triumphed 4–2 to claim their ninth AFCON bronze medal.

During the shootout, Shobeir denied Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s opening penalty, but could not stop subsequent kicks from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman.

As Iwobi prepared to take his kick, Nigeria led 2–1.

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The 25-year-old Fulham midfielder later shared in his AFCON diaries vlog that Shobeir attempted to unsettle him with a brief exchange.

“He said to me, ‘Iwobi, I know where you are going to go. If I save your penalty, you give me your shirt.’ I said, ‘No problem, I’ll give you my shirt, bro.’ Then he said, ‘OK, let’s go.’ I just laughed,” Iwobi recounted.

Shobeir, the son of legendary Egyptian goalkeeper Ahmed Shobair, mirrored his father’s confident antics from the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia, when Ahmed had boasted that Rashidi Yekini would not score against him.

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Despite Yekini striking the crossbar during the match, Nigeria went on to win the tournament, claiming their second continental title.

Since 1994, Nigeria has won only one more AFCON title, lifting the trophy again in 2013.

Also read: Alex Iwobi Celebrates Inspiring Premier League Record

Iwobi’s goal helped secure a historic podium finish for the Super Eagles at the 2025 edition of Africa’s premier football tournament.

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Kaduna Steps Up Ebola Surveillance and Public Awareness

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Kaduna Ebola surveillance is being strengthened through health facility preparedness, public awareness campaigns and planned sensitisation at key entry points.

The Kaduna State Government has stepped up Ebola surveillance and preventive measures, including strengthening health facility preparedness and expanding public awareness campaigns, as authorities work to prevent a possible outbreak.

Also read: Ronaldo Sends Emotional Message to Kvaratskhelia

The Director of Public Health at the state Ministry of Health, Dr Sadique Abubakar, disclosed the measures in an interview with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a meeting to assess the Ebola situation and identify necessary preventive actions.

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Abubakar said the government was working to improve the readiness of health facilities while educating residents about Ebola prevention and the importance of strict infection prevention and control practices.

“We have already identified the necessary actions that we will continue to take. Part of them is strengthening facility readiness and awareness,” he said.

He explained that community sensitisation remained central to the state’s preparedness strategy, with health officials developing messages to inform the public about the disease and ways to reduce the risk of transmission.

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“We are currently developing messages to distribute across various media platforms. We will also engage the media in sensitising the community through radio, television and other channels,” Abubakar said.

The government is also planning awareness campaigns at key entry points, including motor parks and railway stations, to reach travellers and other members of the public with relevant health information.

According to the director, these efforts form part of broader preparations to ensure Kaduna can respond effectively to a potential public health emergency.

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Abubakar added that the Ministry of Health would issue a public health advisory to guide residents on precautions and other relevant information concerning Ebola.

“Usually, when we have issues of public health concern, we release public health advisories,” he said.

He assured residents that the government would continue reviewing its preparedness plans and provide updates as additional measures were developed.

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Also read: Ronaldo Sends Emotional Message to Kvaratskhelia

The director urged the public to follow official health information and observe recommended preventive measures while the state strengthens its readiness against a possible Ebola outbreak.

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