Alex Iwobi: Osimhen urges Nigerians to do better, says Super Eagles stars are humans

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has spoken out against the disturbing wave of cyberbullying aimed at his teammate Alex Iwobi. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Osimhen has expressed his concern and solidarity, while condemning the online abuse directed at Iwobi and called for greater empathy and respect from fans and supporters.

In a video on Facebook, the Napoli icon looked visibly disappointed and concerned as he spoke to the media. 

"It's really sad what he's going through for the past two weeks now," Osimhen stated. "Some of our fans should do better, as I have said. And of course, you can see that there is a big solidarity in the team, and I urge a lot of Nigerians that are cyberbullying players that we are also humans."

The cyberbullying directed at the Super Eagles playmaker followed Nigeria's defeat at the AFCON 2023 final against host nation Cote d’Ivoire. 

Iwobi’s attack has sparked outrage and concern within the football community leading to Osimhen’s advocacy for a more constructive approach to criticism and urging fans to consider the mental well-being of players.

"When you criticize, you have to be constructive," Osimhen emphasised. "To be fair, what they have done to Alex is out of this world, it's not good. They should also look at his mental health - some of us can take this to heart and keep on grinding and some that this would get to their heads and they lose focus and form."

"We have rallied around him, spoken to him individually and collectively, and I think he is a strong dude and ready to continue to give his all for his nation," Osimhen added, highlighting the importance of solidarity and unity within the Super Eagles squad.

Osimhen, Iwobi and other Super Eagles stars were honoured after they touched down in Abuja from Cote d’Ivoire.