By Akinwale Kasali
Super Eagles and Fulham Football Club of England midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has been forced to retire from the National Team following threats and cyberbullying he received from Nigerian Football Fans, enthusiasts and netizens.
Iwobi had come under strong criticism from a section of Nigerians following his abysmal performance at the just concluded African Cup of Nations championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
The former Arsenal Football Club player was singled out for criticism and cyberbullying out of the 25 Players that hoisted the nation’s flag at the Continental showpiece, where the Super Eagles won Silver after losing in the final to hosts, Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.
The cyberbullying transcended geographical boundaries, originating from various online platforms and social media networks.
Iwobi, a key player for the Super Eagles, is the central figure in this distressing narrative, as he grapples with the decision to potentially retire from international football.
The decision to contemplate retirement is rooted in the relentless cyberbullying Iwobi has endured, impacting his mental well-being and overall experience as a representative of Nigeria on the global stage.
Following this development, the Minister of Sport Development, John Enoh, had strongly condemned the cyberbullying of Alex Iwobi after Super Eagles Of Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast at AFCON Final on Sunday.
Reacting to the sad development, The Minister took to his X handle to plead with Nigerians to stop the attack on the midfielder.
“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 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.”
It would be recalled that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has asked Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to clamp down on persons spreading fake news to jeopardise national security.
The Police Chief directed that persons found spreading false information or engaging in cyberbullying should be prosecuted.
In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said certain individuals have started sharing old contents on various social media platforms to “undermine public trust in the policing system”.
Adejobi said the force condemned “dissemination of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying aimed at discrediting the diligent efforts of our officers”.
The Force Spokesperson said fake news and cyberbullying are against the provisions of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
He added that fake news and cyberbullying do not only “pose a threat to the force but also have the potential to incite fear and discord within the country”.
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