Fulham pledges full support for Alex Iwobi in response to online abuse following Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations Final.
Iwobi, contemplating retirement from international duty, has opted for a social media break, deleting his Instagram posts due to criticism from some Super Eagles fans regarding his AFCON performances.
Alex Iwobi has received messages of support from his uncle, former Bolton attacker Jay-Jay Okocha, Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa, and Nigeria’s Minister for Sports Development, John Enoh.
Iwobi and teammate Calvin Bassey are expected to resume Fulham training later this week and might be available for Saturday’s home match against Aston Villa.
Fulham said they will offer Iwobi “every support”, and posted a photo of Iwobi and Bassey on social media with the caption “Proud of both our boys.”
Musa also took to social media, saying:
“Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi.
Cyber bullying 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 behaviour.
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“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.
“Instead of spreading negativity, let’s show genuine love and support to our players.
They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let’s uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat.”
Iwobi spoke to sports minister Enoh, who had written a letter to Musa “condemning strongly the cyber-bullying.”
Enoh told Iwobi:
“As a ministry, this is not the first time we are going to make a statement against bullying [of] our sportsmen and -women.
“You did your best for your country and I am proud of you.
Those who are not are in the far minority and do not speak for the rest of our country. You did your best.”
Iwobi’s uncle Okocha, capped 73 times by Nigeria from 1993 to 2006, wrote:
“I pray for my country Nigeria and the people that can only hate and see nothing good in others, when effort counts for nothing, treat people the way you want them to treat you, all we have is this life is each other.”
Fulham gears up to host Aston Villa at home this weekend following an impressive showing against Bournemouth in their previous fixture.
