The disappointment of Sunday’s AFCON final loss against Ivory Coast seems to have taken its toll on Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, after he deleted all photos from his Instagram page. This follows a wave of online abuse directed at the player in the wake of the match.
Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat in their home away from home shattered their dreams of lifting the continental trophy for the fourth time. However, amidst the collective heartbreak, it’s important to remember that individual players, like Iwobi, are also battling their own emotions and grappling with the weight of expectation.
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While criticism of performance is a natural part of the game, personal attacks and hateful messages cross a line. It’s understandable that such targeted abuse would lead Iwobi to step away from a platform where he was subjected to negativity.
Perhaps it’s time for fans to reflect on the impact of their words, especially in moments of national sporting disappointment. While passion for the game is commendable, it should never justify online bullying or personal attacks.
Let’s not forget that these athletes wear their hearts on their sleeves and represent our nation with pride. Supporting them through thick and thin is what true sportsmanship is all about.
