Nigerian football star Alex Iwobi has been facing a barrage of online criticism and cyberbullying following his perceived unsatisfactory midfield performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Fulham midfielder decided to delete all of his social media posts.
In an exclusive interview with Premium Times Nigeria, Iwobi opened up about the real reason behind his decision to remove all posts from his Instagram account.
The 27-year-old revealed that he was overwhelmed by the negative comments and wanted to take a break from the toxic environment.
“It was just too much for me to handle,” Iwobi explained. “I felt like I needed to step away from social media for a while and focus on myself and my mental health.”
The Nigerian international also expressed his disappointment in the way some fans chose to express their opinions, stating that “cyberbullying is never okay, and it’s not something anyone should have to go through.”
Despite the backlash, Iwobi has received support from fellow teammates and Nigerian sports officials.
Nigeria’s Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, condemned the cyberbullying and urged fans to be more supportive of their national team players.
As the football community awaits Iwobi’s return to social media, it is essential to remember the impact that words can have on an individual’s mental health and well-being.
The situation serves as a reminder to treat each other with respect and kindness, both on and off the pitch.
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