By Abiola Olawale
Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigerian footballers, celebrities and other well-wishers have condemned the cyber bullying targeted at the Nigerian midfielder, Alex Iwobi.
This is as many have called out the fans to support and show love to the players rather than throwing shades and abuses following the 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The New Diplomat reports that following the devastating defeat of Nigeria at the finals, Iwobi came under heavy criticism, becoming target for trolls. The Fulham star eventually deleted all the pictures he put up on his official Instagram page after the AFCON final.
In a statement signed by Enoh’s media aide, Diana-Mary Tiku Nsan on Monday, Enoh, who led the Super Eagles of Nigeria back home after the final against Ivory Coast, told Iwobi: “I am aware of what is happening on social media and as a ministry, this is not the first time we are going to make a statement against bullying, not just you but our sportsmen and women in general who are exposed to bullying due to the outcome of competitions.
“We are concerned about how our sportsmen and women are treated.”
The final AFCON 2023 has seen Iwobi experience a routine of unpleasant remarks hurled at him.
Iwobi confirmed leaving social media after the final game.
“For me, I have taken myself out of social media after yesterday’s game,” he said.
Enoh, however, encouraged the former Arsenal star saying:
“You did your best for your country, and I am proud of you. The leadership and the rest of the country is proud of you.
Showing his support for the midfielder, ex-footballer, JayJay Okocha, defended his nephew, calling on Nigerians to show love rather than hate.
Taking to his Instagram page on Tuesday, Okocha wrote, ‘’I pray for my country Nigeria and the people that can only hate and see nothing good in others, when effort counts for nothing, treat people the way you want them to treat you, all we have is this life is each other.
“We love you #alexanderiwobi and we keep going no matter what they say, the Lord is good all the time and we trust that his will be done in our lives amen.’
Also, Super Eagles skipper, Ahmed Musa has joined in the support for Iwobi against cyber bullying.
Taking to his X page, Musa said, “Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyber bullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime. It’s hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behaviour.
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.
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. 👏🦅🇳🇬 THANKS”
Also, several of Iwobi’s national teammates have taken to their respective social media pages to show support to the own. They all posted “We win together, we lose together, we are one, some of our fans should do better.”
Also, popular comedian, Ayo Makun, also known as AY, on his Instagram page, urged fans of Super Eagles to halt the cyber bullying towards Iwobi as his only crime was to come and represent his fatherland.
He posted, “Anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying. Malicious information posted on the internet can spread far and wide at an instant, and it is always difficult to be deleted completely. The immediacy of the spread makes it hard for victims to defend themselves or take precautions. The harm caused by cyberbullying is always ignored by computer or mobile phone users.
“It is so sad to see how you all have exhibited various forms of cyberbullying on a young man whose only crime was to come and represent his father land. Tomorrow, you all will still be wondering why the likes of Saka and others are never going to play for Nigeria?
“It’s time to think beyond your personal interests and look at the negative effects of your evil actions.
“Let’s help promote a culture of care and respect on the internet and prevent cyberbullying,” he added.
