The aftermath of Nigeria’s heartbreaking 1-2 loss to Ivory Coast in the Afcon final has seen midfielder Alex Iwobi become the target of online harassment, prompting calls for an end to cyberbullying from Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and other prominent figures.
Iwobi, who put in a commendable 79-minute effort during the match before being substituted, found himself facing a barrage of criticism on social media platforms, with some fans blaming him for the defeat. The relentless trolling led the 27-year-old player to remove his Instagram photos in response to the backlash.
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“Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad,” Musa stated.
Musa’s sentiments were echoed by many Nigerians who rallied behind Iwobi, denouncing the online harassment directed at him. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the toxicity of online fan culture and the need for greater support and respect towards players, particularly during challenging times.
As the Super Eagles regroup and reflect on their Afcon journey, the focus remains on unity and solidarity within the team, with Musa’s call for an end to online abuse serving as a reminder of the importance of empathy and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
