Fulham manager Marco Silva has provided a reassuring update on Alex Iwobi's mental state following the online abuse the Nigerian winger received after the Super Eagles' loss in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Iwobi endured a barrage of online negativity from some Nigerian fans after the Super Eagles fell to Ivory Coast in the tournament's final. The abuse reportedly led him to delete all his Instagram posts.
“Mentally, he's very good,” Silva confirmed during a pre-match press conference ahead of Fulham's clash with Aston Villa.
“Alex is a happy boy when he's on the pitch doing what he loves, he's always doing it with a smile on his face.”
However, Iwobi has received a lot of support and solidarity on the issue as fellow players, fans and journalists all spoke out against cyber-bullying and rallied around the 27-year-old.
“I know part, I don't know everything what people said about it,” Silva acknowledged.
“But I don't see reasons (for the abuse) because if you lose a game you lose a game together, if you win a game you win together of course. They did brilliantly until the final.”
The Fulham boss defended Iwobi, calling the criticism “completely unfair.” He added, “It's more strange when there is no reason to do it.”
Iwobi hasn't played for Fulham since the start of 2024 due to his international commitments, but his return will be a welcome boost for the Cottagers.
Silva confirmed Iwobi will be involved in the upcoming match against Aston Villa, alongside fellow African Cup of Nations participant Calvin Bassey.
Despite the online negativity, Iwobi has received support from his teammates and has reportedly declared his intention to continue playing for the national team.
He has also been instrumental for Fulham this season, contributing four goals and an assist in 19 matches across all competitions.
Iwobi and Nigeria teammate Calvin Bassey returned to training at Craven Cottage after the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles came second and were warmly received by the Fulham coaching staff and other players.
