Alex Iwobi, the top player for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, is set to leave the national team, barring a last-minute change of heart.
Iwobi is tired of the online abuse he has received since representing Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Owngoal Nigeria revealed on Monday afternoon, February 12.
The 27-year-old was criticized for his performance in AFCON 2023 and for being the target of hate remarks on his social media profile in the past by bullies.
The former Arsenal player has already removed every Instagram photo from his account since some individuals are still leaving derogatory remarks on his previous posts.
Nigerian football stakeholders like Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo, a sports photographer; and Adepoju Samuel, former media officer of the Future Eagles; waded into the matter.
Samuel wrote on X: “Alex Iwobi has been heavily criticised in this tournament. I understand criticism is part of the game, but when it’s extreme it becomes evil. “Football fans should know when to stop.
“Iwobi has deleted all his photos on Instagram and this is ridiculous. I won’t be shocked if Iwobi retires from the national team.”
On his part, Pooja commented: “This is actually sad. We can do better.”
