Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has shrugged off the criticisms that followed his performance for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Despite facing backlash from Nigerian supporters for his display during the competition, Iwobi remains unfazed by the cyberbullying he experienced after Nigeria’s 2-1 final defeat to the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
Reports surfaced that the former Arsenal player was contemplating retiring from international football due to the incident. However, Iwobi has since addressed the situation, emphasizing that he is not affected by social media critics. In a recent episode of his Project 17 podcast, he stated, “The whole competition I didn’t see it. I remember in a press conference they said, ‘Where is the creativity?’ and I had to address the role I was given and I said I am the kind of guy who will listen to my coach and try to do the job I’m told to do. It is what it is, it is not the first time…that is football. I would rather be off social media, I don’t want to see that and I don’t care.”
Currently, Iwobi is with Nigeria’s squad in Marrakech, Morocco, preparing for upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali. Despite the criticism he faced, Iwobi remains focused on his role within the team and is determined to continue representing his country on the international stage. His resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his dedication to the sport and his commitment to overcoming challenges.