Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has called on some Nigerian football fans to stop the attack on Alex Iwobi on social media.
Musa made the plea after Iwobi came under heavy criticism for his performance in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in Sunday’s AFCON final.
Following the constant attacks, Iwobi deleted all his Instagram photos, leaving only one video post.
The former Arsenal forward played for 79 minutes in Nigeria’s defeat to Ivory Coast and was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf.
Iwobi, who had been a key player for the Super Eagles throughout the tournament, bore the brunt of fans’ frustrations following the defeat. His performance in the final match came under scrutiny, with some fans singling him out for blame and unleashing a torrent of abuse and insults on social media platforms such as Instagram.
The relentless cyberbullying took its toll on Iwobi, prompting him to take the drastic step of deleting all his Instagram photos, leaving only one video post remaining. This move was seen as a clear indication of the psychological impact of online harassment and the toll it can take on individuals, even professional athletes.
Musa has now come out to plead for the attacks to stop.
“Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyberbullying directed towards Alex Iwobi,” he wrote on X.
“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.”
Musa’s intervention highlights the broader issue of cyberbullying in sports and the harmful effects it can have on athletes’ mental health and well-being. In an era where social media plays an increasingly prominent role in athletes’ lives, the prevalence of online abuse and harassment has become a pressing concern, prompting calls for greater awareness and action to address the problem.
Cyberbullying not only affects individual athletes but also undermines team morale and cohesion, creating a toxic environment that can hinder performance and detract from the enjoyment of the sport. It is imperative that fans recognize the impact of their words and actions online and strive to foster a culture of respect, empathy, and support within the sporting community.
As Nigeria’s football ambassador, Ahmed Musa’s plea carries significant weight and serves as a powerful reminder of the values of sportsmanship, compassion, and solidarity. His call for fans to rally behind Alex Iwobi and offer him encouragement and support during this challenging time reflects the spirit of camaraderie and unity that defines the Super Eagles.
The cyberbullying directed at Alex Iwobi in the aftermath of Nigeria’s AFCON defeat underscores the need for greater awareness and action to combat online harassment in sports. Ahmed Musa’s plea for fans to stop the bullying and show support for their teammate is a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, respect, and solidarity within the sporting community. It is imperative that fans heed Musa’s call and strive to create a positive and inclusive online environment that uplifts and empowers athletes rather than tearing them down. Together, we can work towards a future where cyberbullying has no place in sports, and all athletes are treated with dignity and respect, both on and off the field.
