The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, is rallying Nigerian star Alex Iwobi after the player was cyberbullied following the country’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) loss.
Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final on Sunday. Iwobi, who played roughly 80 minutes, faced criticism and internet harassment after the game.
Enoh has condemned the hatred directed at the Fulham footballer, who then deleted all photographs from his Instagram account and locked the comment part of his lone post.
I condemn strongly the cyber bullying of Alex Iwobi or any other sports man or woman.
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… pic.twitter.com/5BSAhd7by9
— Senator John Owan Enoh (@OwanEnoh) February 13, 2024
“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, gave over fourth days for the love of the nation. We applaud you. We are proud of you, keep soaring.”