Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has come to the defense of midfielder Alex Iwobi, who has been subjected to cyber-bullying by some home supporters following Nigeria’s 1-2 loss to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the 2023 AFCON final.
Nigeria’s defeat garnered attention on social media platforms, with fans from South Africa, Ghana, Angola, and other countries mocking the three-time AFCON winners.
In an Instagram post, Musa addressed the cyber-attacks on Iwobi, urging fans to cease such behavior. He emphasized that blaming a single player for the team’s performance is unfair and unjust.
Musa wrote, “Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyberbullying 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 behavior.”
He continued, “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.”
Musa concluded his message by calling for genuine love and support for the players, emphasizing the need for encouragement rather than negativity. He urged fans to stand united, both in victory and defeat, and to uplift each other during challenging times.
The captain’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and support for players, highlighting the impact of cyber-bullying on athletes’ mental well-being.
