Minister of Sports Development Condemns Cyberbullying of Nigerian Star Alex Iwobi

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In the aftermath of Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi has become the target of cyberbullying. However, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has come forward to rally support for the player and denounce the abuse he has faced.

Following the match, where Iwobi played for approximately 80 minutes, he received heavy criticism, which later escalated into cyberbullying. In response to the online abuse, Iwobi deleted all the photos on his Instagram account and disabled the comment section, except for one post.

Minister John Enoh expressed his strong condemnation of the cyberbullying in a video post on his X handle, which showed him in a meeting with Iwobi. Enoh emphasized that athletes like Iwobi dedicate themselves to representing the nation and deserve support, kindness, and respect from the public.

In his video message, Enoh addressed Iwobi directly, encouraging him to stay strong. He acknowledged Iwobi’s contribution to the team’s achievement of a silver medal at AFCON 2023, highlighting that it was the first time Nigeria had won a silver medal in 23 years since AFCON 2000.

Enoh reassured Iwobi that cyberbullies do not determine the opinions of the country’s leadership or the majority of Nigerians. He commended Iwobi’s efforts and dedication to the nation, urging him to continue to soar in his career.

The Minister’s statement serves as a reminder to the public about the importance of supporting and respecting athletes who represent Nigeria on the international stage. It also raises awareness about the negative impact of cyberbullying and emphasizes the need for a kinder and more empathetic online environment.

As the nation rallies behind Alex Iwobi, the hope is that this incident will bring attention to the issue of cyberbullying in sports and contribute to the creation of a safer and more supportive environment for athletes in Nigeria and beyond.