Enoh told Iwobi that most Nigerians appreciated his efforts during AFCON, saying those insulting him are in the minority
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has urged Fulham star, Alex Iwobi to ignore those bullying him on social media after Nigeria lost the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to hosts, Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
This was made known in a statement signed by Enoh’s media aide, Diana-Mary Tiku Nsan on Monday.
The minister who led the Super Eagles back home after the 2023 AFCON final told Iwobi: “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.”
Iwobi after Super Eagles’s defeat at AFCON final faced a routine of unpleasant remarks hurled at him online.
The former Arsenal midfielder later confirmed leaving social media after the final game.
He said: “For me, I have taken myself out of social media after yesterday’s game.”
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Enoh, however, told him in the statement that most Nigerians appreciated his efforts at the tournament and that those insulting him are in the minority.
He further encouraged Iwobi to turn a deaf ear to the online criticism saying:
“You did your best for your country and I am proud of you. The leadership and the rest of the country is 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.”