Immediately after the final whistle of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and host nation Ivory Coast, one name topped the trends: Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.
Within minutes, Iwobi wasn’t trending for praise but rather joined the ranks of Super Eagles players facing criticism for a performance many Nigerians deemed unsatisfactory.
Nigerians took to social media to criticise Iwobi’s performance in the final against Ivory Coast.
However, concerned Nigerians countered the trolling, denouncing the targeting of Iwobi after the AFCON loss.
They argued that the loss wasn’t the fault of any individual player, especially Iwobi, who had been a key player for many.
Celebrities and teammates of Iwobi defended him, calling those criticizing his performance “failures.”
Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY, described the cyberbullying as “unfair” and “nonsensical.”
AY believed Nigerians shouldn’t have trolled Iwobi, who returned home “with the fullest intention to serve his fatherland.”
He pointed out that many of the online critics likely “failed in their various responsibilities in life,” noting that “begging money online, expecting others to take care of them is a failure.”
According to AY, the inability of the trolls to take care of themselves at Iwobi’s age was a sign of their own “failure,” and their online attacks further exemplified that failure.
The match
On Sunday, 11 February, social media erupted after the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-1 to the Ivory Coast Elephants in the final of the recently concluded AFCON 2023.
Some Nigerians attributed the loss to the performance of Alex Iwobi, a Nigerian professional footballer and midfielder for Premier League club Fulham.
However, even before his substitution, criticisms against him were already circulating online. Unfortunately, upon his removal, these criticisms escalated into personal attacks.
Despite starting the tournament unbeaten from the group stage to the final, the Super Eagles were ultimately denied the trophy by the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
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Halt cyber-bullying
Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa took to social media to urge Nigerians to stop cyberbullying teammate Alex Iwobi.
Musa condemned the practice as not only “a violation of decency” but also “a serious crime.” He stated, “It’s hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behavior.”
He acknowledged that losing a game is understandably difficult, but stressed that targeting one player for the team’s shortcomings is “unfair and unjust.”
Instead of negativity, Musa encouraged Nigerians to show “genuine love and support” to the players.
“They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let’s uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat,” he added.
Super Eagles players are with Iwobi
Not only is Musa standing by the Fulham midfielder, but other players who participated in the tournament are also with him during this difficult time.
Kenneth Omeruo pleaded with Nigerians to be more supportive when the Super Eagles lose. He emphasised that the team wins and loses together, and remains united regardless of the situation.
AC Milan footballer Samuel Chukwueze also voiced his support for Iwobi.
Several Super Eagles players stressed the importance of Nigerian fans supporting the team, even when they lose, instead of resorting to cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying unacceptable
Apart from Super Eagles players who have condemned the cyberbullying, Nigerian celebrities have also spoken out, calling the attack on Iwobi “utterly condemnable” and describing it as a “cowardly and malicious act that inflicts emotional distress and harm.”
Singer Folarin Falana, known as Falz, posted on his Instagram page that every single player who wears the green-and-white to represent Nigeria has made an immense sacrifice and does not deserve to be treated with disdain.
“We talk a lot about cyberbullying,” he said, “but we are so quick to turn against our own. We win together, we lose together.”
Williams Uchemba stated that Nigerians cannot claim to be united while “hurting the wounded soldiers.” He reminded everyone to “do to others as you want them to do to you.”
Actress Omoni Oboli maintained that winning is in Nigerians’ DNA, but win or lose, the people are always together “in love.”
“We didn’t lose though, we won so thank you @ng_supereagles all the players represented us well including our amazing. Let us uphold everyone in love.”
Iwobi reacts
Following the backlash after the match, Iwobi has deleted all but one video post from his Instagram page as of press time.
This action is likely linked to concerns about potential cyber abuse and online harassment.
Iwobi is not the first
Following Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ disappointing exit from the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye became the target of intense criticism.
Angry Nigerians blamed Okoye, who was the starting goalkeeper, for his inability to save the crucial shot from Tunisia’s Youssef Msakni.
The Super Eagles had won their first three group-stage games, leading to high expectations for their knockout performance. They ultimately suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tunisia in the round of 16.
This targeted abuse led Okoye to withdraw from the international team. Unfortunately, he’s not the only Super Eagles player to face harsh criticism. First-choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has repeatedly been subjected to threats and heavy criticism.
This consideration was reportedly influenced by Okoye’s experience. Okoye took a break from international football following online abuse and threats to his life and family.
Nigerian football fans have expressed their disappointment with Uzoho’s goalkeeping style, citing specific errors like conceding a long-range free-kick against Zimbabwe on 19 November 2023.
However, in defense of the criticism, Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo argued in a report published on Punch on 15 October 2023, that the pressure and criticism from fans are expressions of love for the team.
