JUST IN: Sports Minister Sends Message To Iwobi As Nigerians Drag, Bully Him After Loss To Ivory Coast

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, recently engaged in a discussion with Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, addressing cyberbullying directed at the Fulham star.

In a statement released by Enoh’s media aide, Diana-Mary Tiku Nsan, on Monday, Enoh expressed concern over the online harassment faced by Iwobi and other Nigerian athletes: “I am aware of what is happening on social media and as a ministry, this is not the first time we are going to make a statement against bullying, not just you but our sportsmen and women in general who are exposed to bullying due to the outcome of competitions. We are concerned about how our sportsmen and women are treated.”

During their conversation, Enoh commended Iwobi for his efforts and reassured him of the country’s pride in his achievements: “You did your best for your country and I am proud of you. The leadership and the rest of the country are proud of you. Those who are not are in the far minority and do not speak for the rest of our country, so just be strong. You did your best, you are part of a team that brought home a silver medal which the country last won at AFCON 2000, which is 23 years ago. You put in your best, thank you very much.”

The final AFCON 2023 saw Iwobi subjected to a barrage of negative comments on social media, prompting him to take a break from online platforms.