Alex Iwobi: Fulham Boss Marco Silva Addresses Status of Nigeria Star After AFCON Heartbreak

• Alex Iwobi is back at Fulham after the 2023 AFCON
• The forward reached the final with Nigeria, but they lost
• Iwobi was abused on social media after the defeat to Ivory Coast
• Fulham boss Marco Silva has sent his message of support to Iwobi

Fulham boss Marco Silva has discussed the situation surrounding his player Alex Iwobi who has returned to the club after the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria star received a barrage of abuse on social media after the Super Eagles were defeated in the final by Ivory Coast on Sunday, February 11.

Nigeria made an unexpected run to the 2023 AFCON final. They went 1-0 up against the hosts but conceded twice in the second half to lose their fifth AFCON final, per Al Jazeera.

Nigeria vs Angola: Alex Iwobi Discloses the Impact of Ahmed Musa in Nigeria Team at AFCON 2023

Football

Alex Iwobi played over 70 minutes in the final, and after the match, fans were not impressed with his performance.

Abuse on social media forced the former Arsenal star to archive all his Instagram posts. Several players and ex-players came to his defence.

The Fulham star started six of Nigeria's seven games at the tournament and put up decent performances.

Marco Silva on Iwobi

Speaking ahead of Fulham's clash with Aston Villa in the Premier League, Marco Silva said Iwobi's mind is in a good state.

"Mentally, he's very good. Alex is a happy boy when he's on the pitch doing what he loves, he's always doing it with a smile on his face. I know part, I don't know everything what people said about it," via Sky Sports.

Silva also condemned the abuse Iwobi received after Nigeria's defeat in the final.

Erik ten Hag gives update on Lisandro Martinez's injury after he limped off vs West Ham

Football

"They lost the final and the people reacted they think that is the best. In my opinion it was completely unfair because of the way they criticized him on social media. It's more strange when there is no reason to do it."

Okocha message to Iwobi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha defending Iwobi, following reports of online abuse.

The 27-year-old star was forced to archive his social media posts after being targeted following Nigeria's loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Iwobi played 79 minutes in the final and was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf after a muted performance for the 2013 champions.