John Enoh, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development is pepping up Nigerian star midfielder, Alex Iwobi after the player was subjected to cyberbullying in the wake of the country’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) loss in last Sunday’s final match of the competition.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost to hosts, Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 AFCON with Iwobi, who played about 80 minutes in the game, coming under criticism and cyber abuse from some Nigerian fans perceived as unduly critical lacking a sporting spirit.
While the footballer later deleted all photos on his Instagram handle, locking the comment section of the only post he left on the platform, Enoh has condemned the abuse meted to the Fulham man.
“I condemn strongly the cyberbullying of Alex Iwobi or any other sportsman or woman,” he wrote in a Tuesday video post on his X handle that captured him in a meeting with Iwobi.
“They give a lot if not all of themselves when representing our nation, the least we can do is rally support for them, be kind and gracious with words and actions towards them.
“Dear Alex Iwobi be strong. You were part of a team that brought home a silver medal from AFCON 2023. The last time we won a silver was twenty three years ago at AFCON 2000.
“Cyber bullies do not determine what the leadership of the country, the rest of Nigerians including myself, think of you. You did your best. We applaud you. We are proud of you, keep soaring.”
