Iwobi started in six of seven matches for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was instrumental to the West African nation’s unexpected run to the final.
Despite helping his team reach the final, some supporters say the 27-year-old England based midfielder did not perform up to standard in their 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast. They also criticized his teammates, including the 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.
“Alex Iwobi really fell off. He was a menace during his time at Arsenal,” wrote one user on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“No come Nigeria again better relocate to Ghana,” wrote another user.
Iwobi was similarly targeted online after Nigeria lost 1-0 to Tunisia in the Round of 16 at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He had received a red card in the 66th minute of the game.
Ademola Olajire, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Football Federation, says authorities are not happy with the attacks on Iwobi and the Super Eagles.
“The Nigeria football federation has condemned in its entirety the cyber-attacks on Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi. The virulent attacks on the player are uncalled for given his commitment and dedication to duty for the homeland over the years,” Olajire told VOA.
The Nigerian football authority said supporters must think of Iwobi as the world class player who helped the Super Eagles qualify to the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament that was held in Russia.
“We cannot suddenly forget the great moment he (Iwobi) made for Nigeria by scoring that goal against Zambia at Uyo that qualified Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia,” Olajire said.
Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles captain seconded Olajire.
“Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyber bulling is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime,” wrote Musa on X.
The Super Eagles captain said Iwobi is not to blame for the team’s loss to Ivory Coast, adding, “Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad.”
“We are with you, skippo,” said William Troost-Ekong, another member of the Super Eagles, who was named Best Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Cup of Nations.
Iwobi was one of the most capped Nigerian players at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, having his represented the team on over 76 occasions since his debut in 2015.
The 27-year-old footballer is also the nephew to Augustine “Jay Jay” Okocha, a member of the Super Eagles team who has been regarded as one of the best dribblers in world football.
Pundits say Iwobi fell victim to a career long comparison to his uncle who won the Cup of Nations in 1994 and played flamboyant football for French giants Paris Saint-German.
Okocha also played in the English Premier League between 2002 - 2006, for Bolton Wanderers.
VOA Reporter Mike Mbonye contributed towards this report.
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