The echoes of Nigeria's defeat in the African Cup of Nations final against Cote D'Ivoire are still reverberating, but it's not just the disappointment on the field that's capturing attention. Ahmed Musa, the esteemed captain of the Nigerian national football team, has taken to social media to address a troubling trend emerging in the aftermath of the match: cyberbullying directed at his teammate, Alex Iwobi.
In a heartfelt plea shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Musa implored fans to cease their online attacks on Iwobi, emphasizing the corrosive effects of cyberbullying both on individuals and on the unity of the team.
"Cyberbullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime. It's hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behavior," Musa stated, his words carrying the weight of his leadership.
Acknowledging the disappointment of the loss, Musa reminded fans that pointing fingers at a single player for the team's shortcomings is neither fair nor just. "We win as a team, and we lose as a team," he affirmed. "Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad."
Urging a shift from negativity to support, Musa called for genuine love and encouragement towards the players. "They need our encouragement now more than ever," he stressed. "Let's uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat."
The significance of Musa's plea is underscored by recent events. Reports from The PUNCH reveal that Iwobi, deeply affected by the online harassment, took the drastic step of deleting all his Instagram photos, leaving only one video post, with the comment section locked.
The Super Eagles' defeat not only dashed hopes of a fourth continental crown but also laid bare the vulnerability of players in the face of online vitriol. Musa's call for unity and support extends beyond the football pitch, resonating as a reminder of the importance of standing by one another in times of adversity.
As the Nigerian team grapples with the aftermath of the loss, Musa's words serve as a beacon of solidarity, urging fans to channel their passion into constructive support rather than destructive criticism
