After Nigeria's loss in the Africa Cup of Nations final, midfielder Alex Iwobi cleared his Instagram account, removing all posts.
This came after facing a wave of hateful messages from disappointed Nigerian fans venting their frustration after the Super Eagles' 1-2 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final match.
The Fulham midfielder played in six out of seven matches during the tournament and played a crucial role in Nigeria's surprising journey to the final, despite being utilised in a position different from his usual style.
Pinnick calls for perspective and support for Iwobi
In response to the backlash faced by Iwobi following Nigeria's defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final, former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick offered his perspective on the situation.
He underscored Iwobi's role in the team's previous achievements, particularly noting his significant goals in critical games.
Additionally, Pinnick cautioned against excessive reactions in football, citing tragic historical events such as Andre Escobar's fate in 1994. Pinnick's words serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting players through both triumphs and setbacks.
He stated, “Iwobi did his best. What happened to Iwobi in that final happens in football. We have seen great players like Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo de Lima and others suffer it. It just was not Iwobi’s day.”
He expressed concern over the intensity of the criticism, urging for a more measured response from fans.
Pinnick emphasised the need to avoid escalating situations to the extreme levels witnessed in other parts of the world, saying, “I just pray that the Nigerian situation should not get to that point.”
Musa calls for end to cyber-bullying, backs Iwobi
Earlier, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa took to social media to address the issue directly, one of a number of Nigeria internationals to do so.
He called for an end to cyber-bullying directed at Iwobi, highlighting that such behaviour not only goes against decency but also constitutes a serious crime.
He emphasised the inconsistency of asserting football's unifying power while participating in divisive behaviour online. He underscored the significance of shared accountability in both success and failure, urging fans to recognise the dedication of each player on the field.
Musa advocated for a transition to positivity and backing for the team amidst tough periods, accentuating the necessity for encouragement and solidarity.
In a post on X, Musa urged fans to halt cyber-bullying directed at Alex Iwobi, stating, “Cyberbullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime.”
He highlighted the unfairness of singling out a player for the team's shortcomings, emphasising, “We win as a team, and we lose as a team.”
Musa called for genuine love and support for the players, urging fans to “uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat.”
Iwobi's international journey: From England to Super Eagles
Having the option to play for either England or his birth country Nigeria, Iwobi initially began his international career as a youth player for England, achieving success in the 2011 Victory Shield.
He represented England in 11 underage matches before opting to switch his allegiance to Nigeria in 2015. Iwobi made his senior debut for the Super Eagles on October 8th, substituting Ahmed Musa in the 57th minute of a 2-0 friendly loss to DR Congo in Visé, Belgium.
Since then, he has amassed 74 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring 10 goals along the way.
Iwobi is the nephew of Nigerian legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, who earned 73 caps for Nigeria between 1993 and 2006 and is widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest players.
