Sports

Finally, Iwobi Speaks On AFCON Online Bullying Saga (Video)

Published

8 months ago

March 22, 2024

In a podcast session, Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi delved into his personal experience with online bullying following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament.

The Fulham midfielder opened up about the emotional toll of facing online hate and the unexpected support he received from teammate Victor Osimhen.

During the podcast, Iwobi recounted how Osimhen was the first to reach out to him after learning about the online abuse. According to Iwobi, Osimhen visited him in his room to express his concern and condemn the cyberbullying directed towards him.

Despite being unaware of the extent of the negative comments circulating online, Iwobi appreciated Osimhen’s gesture and acknowledged the importance of teammates looking out for each other during challenging times.

Reflecting on the incident, Iwobi shared his perspective on handling online criticism as a professional athlete. He emphasized the need to remain focused on the game and not let external factors affect his performance on the field. While acknowledging the prevalence of online trolling in the world of football, Iwobi stressed the importance of maintaining mental resilience and staying positive amidst adversity.

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In addition to discussing the online bullying incident, Iwobi also provided insights into his role and tactical approach during the AFCON 2023 tournament. According to Iwobi, he and fellow midfielder Frank Onyeka were instructed to adopt a defensive mindset and focus on ball retention and positional play. This tactical approach, aimed at providing defensive stability and allowing attacking players to flourish, meant that Iwobi had limited opportunities to express his creativity on the field.

Despite the tactical challenges faced by the Nigerian team, Iwobi emphasized their collective commitment to executing the game plan and adapting to the circumstances. He highlighted the difficulties of communication on the pitch, particularly in high-pressure situations with overwhelming fan presence. However, Iwobi praised the team’s resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, even in the face of criticism and adversity.

Watch the video below;