- Iwobi archives Instagram, faces cyberbullying
- Nigeria’s AFCON loss sparks outrage
- Calls for love, support increase
Following Nigeria’s elimination from the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, midfielder Alexander Iwobi archived every post on his Instagram account, thereby deactivating the page.
This course of action was taken in reaction to a deluge of hate speech that flooded his social media accounts. Dissatisfied Nigerian supporters, whose hearts were broken after the Super Eagles’ 1-2 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday’s final, sought an outlet for their indignation.
Although he played a more subdued role than is typical for him, the Fulham midfielder was instrumental in Nigeria’s unexpected run to the tournament final by starting six of seven matches.
The individual in question encountered comparable online harassment subsequent to his dismissal during Nigeria’s round-of-16 elimination loss to Tunisia in the 2021 FIFA World Cup. Previously, as now, he was compelled to archive his social media postings; nevertheless, there are rumours that he may soon announce his retirement from international football.
“Let love take the lead”
Iwobi, who has amassed over seventy international caps for Nigeria since his debut in 2015, is the nephew of the legendary midfielder Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha, who is considered one of the greatest dribblers in the history of football.
Iwobi, who is 27 years old, has been subject to comparisons with his 1994 AFCON champion uncle throughout his career, with many anticipating that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton maestro would deliver similarly flamboyant displays.
Although those are enormous footprints to fill, Iwobi has amassed more international appearances than Okocha and has maintained a successful Premier League career.
His versatility has also allowed him to play a variety of roles, including at AFCON, where he was tasked with ensuring safe circulation and assisting the team in maintaining discipline without the ball, as stated by the player himself. He elaborated on the eve of Nigeria’s quarterfinal triumph over Angola, “I am destined to manage and serve the team.” “My midfield companion, Frank Onyeka, and I have been instructed to manage the game to the best of our abilities, but our primary responsibility is to defend as a unit.
“Our forwards, including Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon, are all creative players; there is a great deal of originality there,” he explained. “All I’m trying to do is do my job for the team, and I’m willing to do anything to help improve the team’s chances of victory.”
Notwithstanding his elucidation, he has once more encountered renewed malice, encompassing critiques of his alleged deficiency in ingenuity and willingness to undertake risks, as well as insulting and venomous remarks concerning the validity of his familial connection to Okocha.
Despite Nigeria’s unexpected advancement to the final, 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco and 2021 champions Senegal were considered heavy favourites until they withdrew early.
Super Eagles’ Rocky Road to Redemption
The Super Eagles initiated their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in November with two consecutive draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, which not only jeopardised their qualification chances but also cast doubt on their prospects at the African Cup of Nations and the competence of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro.
Nevertheless, Nigeria completed the group stage undefeated, averaging one goal from open play in the run-up to Sunday’s championship match. However, in the aftermath of Sunday’s loss, criticism has centred on the Super Eagles’ performance, which numerous individuals characterised as lacklustre. Iwobi, who was replaced with the score tied at 1-1 in the 79th minute, has become a lightning rod for fan ire.
The animosity has been so intense that individuals representing the Nigeria squad have taken to social media platforms to express their disapproval and support for Iwobi.
Addressing Cyberbullying in Sports Culture
Injury prevented midfielder Wilfred Ndidi from participating in the tournament; he commented on Instagram, “It’s heartbreaking how we engage in trolling. “Our jobs differ in that our errors are broadcast live on television; while everyone makes mistakes, only a limited number of individuals are privy to our worst days at the office.”
“Some troll for the sake of social media engagements, an increase in followers, or other gain, without regard for the victim’s mental state,” he explained. “However, in instances where the victim is silenced, we hypocritically return to social media to inquire as to why the victim did not speak out.” “Lead with love.”
Ahmed Musa, the captain of the team, stated on X that cyberbullying is a “huge crime” and “a flagrant breach of decency.” He also urged a demonstration of “genuine affection and support towards our players.” “This needless aggressive behaviour is intolerable.” He stated, “We all fought for the colours of our country; whether we win or lose, we are united.”
Combatting Cyberbullying in Nigerian Football
Okocha, who has previously condemned the unjust criticism aimed at his nephew, addressed the online trolls and abusers as follows: “I offer my prayers for Nigeria and its citizens who are incapable of anything but hatred and fail to recognise the positive qualities in others; their efforts are in vain. “Treat others as you would like to be treated; the only thing we have in life is one another.”
While an official confirmation of Iwobi’s rumoured departure from the national team is pending, concerns have been raised that the recurring pattern of mistreatment may hinder Nigeria’s prospects of attracting players from abroad.
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There has been an increase in the integration of foreign-born players into the team over the past decade; Iwobi, along with five of the starting eleven players on Sunday, was born overseas.
Since his AFCON elimination in 2021, German-born keeper Maduka Okoye has been subjected to such an overwhelming amount of online hatred, including death threats against him and his family, that he has withdrawn from international selection and deactivated his social media accounts.
