Alex Iwobi has been a target of online abuse after Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2023 final.
Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi found himself in an unforgiving spotlight following the team's defeat against Ivory Coast in the finals of AFCON 2023.
The aftermath of the loss wasn't just confined to the pitch as it spilled over into the digital realm, where Iwobi became the target of vicious trolling by some disgruntled fans.
Iwobi, who took the drastic step of wiping his Instagram page clean of all post found himself unfortunately entangled in a web of negativity, with hurtful comments and vitriolic messages flooding his social media accounts.
10:55 - 13.02.2024
Alex Iwobi: ‘Angry’ Oshoala DRAGS “bully” Tunde Ednut to filth in epic response to Cyber Bullying
Asisat Oshoala fired some scathing remarks at one of Nigeria’s biggest influencers following the online abuse suffered by Alex Iwobi.
In the face of such relentless onslaught, Iwobi chose to retreat from the social media space.
09:38 - 13.02.2024
Alex Iwobi: Super Eagles star gains over 100,000 followers hours after being called out by Nigerians on social media
Alex Iwobi's followership has gone up in less than 24 hours.
Alex Iwobi breaks silence amid online abuse
Amidst the series of trolls aimed at the Fulham star, Alex Iwobi broke his silence, offering a glimpse into how he is coping with the current situation.
Upon the Super Eagles' return to Nigeria from Ivory Coast, Iwobi found solace in the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Owan Enoh.
Pulse Sports earlier reported that the Minister extended words of support and upliftment to Iwobi, acknowledging the toll that cyberbullying had taken on the midfielder's psyche.
In a candid moment of vulnerability, an emotional Iwobi opened up about his decision to distance himself from social media.
"I've taken myself off social media. I'm not aware of what's going on," he confessed.
However, amidst the turmoil, Iwobi found strength in the outpouring of support from his fellow Super Eagles players, both past and present and even Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala.
United in their condemnation of cyberbullying, the Super Eagles team have since rallied around Iwobi, calling for an end to the culture of online abuse that continues to plague the sporting world.
16:18 - 13.02.2024
'Stop bullying Iwobi," Ahmed Musa furious in his 'letter' to Nigeria's fans
"Instead of spreading negativity, let's show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let's uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat."
09:22 - 13.02.2024
Alex Iwobi: Honourable Minister of Sports Development meets with Super Eagles star following online trolling
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi has been a victim of online trolling and cyberbullying for the past 48 hours, following Nigeria's AFCON final defeat.
08:49 - 13.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye and 3 other Super Eagles stars who have suffered online ABUSE from fans
These stories of Super Eagles stars shed light on the darker side of football fandom, where footballers face relentless scrutiny and abuse.