By Grace Chigbu
Lagos, Nigeria – In a powerful display of camaraderie and solidarity, Nigerian football luminary Victor Osimhen, alongside other esteemed members of the Super Eagles squad, has rallied behind their teammate, Alex Iwobi, in the face of vicious cyberbullying.
The outpouring of support comes in the wake of Nigeria’s heartbreaking defeat to Ivory Coast in the AFCON final, a match that stirred intense emotions among fans and pundits alike. However, amidst the disappointment, a dark cloud of online abuse descended upon midfielder Alex Iwobi, as social media platforms became inundated with scathing criticisms and derogatory remarks targeting the talented player.
The relentless barrage of negativity took a toll on Iwobi, prompting him to take the drastic step of deleting all content from his Instagram account in a bid to shield himself from the toxicity of cyberbullying.
The reprehensible treatment of Iwobi did not go unnoticed by his fellow teammates, who swiftly came to his defense, denouncing the culture of online harassment and advocating for unity within the team. Leading the charge were renowned footballers such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Samuel Chukwueze, and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, all of whom took to their social media platforms to express solidarity with Iwobi and condemn cyberbullying in all its forms.
In a poignant display of solidarity, the Super Eagles stars underscored the importance of standing together as a team, regardless of the outcome on the field. “We win together. We lose together. We are all one. Some of our fans should do better. @alexanderiwobi,” read a collective statement shared across their social media accounts.
The resounding show of support from Osimhen and his teammates serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite athletes beyond the confines of competition. In a world where the relentless glare of social media often amplifies the voices of negativity, the Super Eagles’ unwavering support for Iwobi sends a powerful message of resilience and solidarity.
The incident has also sparked broader conversations about the prevalence of cyberbullying in the realm of professional sports, shedding light on the detrimental impact it can have on athletes’ mental health and well-being. As advocates call for greater awareness and accountability in combating online abuse, the Super Eagles’ proactive stance against cyberbullying sets a commendable example for fans and athletes alike.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Football Federation, President Amaju Pinnick condemned the cyberbullying directed at Alex Iwobi and reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of players both on and off the field. “We stand in solidarity with Alex Iwobi and all our players who have been subjected to online abuse. Cyberbullying has no place in football or any other sphere of society, and we will continue to work tirelessly to address this issue,” said Pinnick.
