Alex Iwobi Breaks Silence on Social Media Abuse After Nigeria’s Defeat in 2023 AFCON Final

• Alex Iwobi incurred the wrath of fans after the 2023 AFCON final
• The Fulham star was abused on social media after Nigeria lost the final
• The former Arsenal star says he isn't concerned by the abuse he receives

Alex Iwobi has spoken about the intense cyberbullying he was subjected to after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

The Fulham star played all Super Eagles matches at the tournament, but his performance in the final was far from impressive as they lost 2-1.

He received backlash on social media, which forced him to archive all his Instagram posts. There were rumours that he was considering quitting the national team shortly after the cyberbullying.

Iwobi was one of Nigeria's key players as they made an unexpected run to the final. However, this wasn't the first time Iwobi was abused on social media. After Nigeria's loss in the Round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON, Iwobi was cyberbullied, per Al Jazeera.

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The former Arsenal man returned to Fulham and scored vital goals, including against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a rare win.

Iwobi on social media abuse

Speaking on the Project 17 podcast, the 27-year-old was not bothered by the abuse.

“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,” he said via Soccernet.ng.

The former Everton star is used to the abuse after his teams lose a match.

“It is what it is, it is not the first time. The first AFCON where I got sent off, it happened, at Arsenal, it constantly happened, at Everton, when I signed for two years, it happened, that is football. I would rather be off social media, I don’t want to see that, and I don’t care."

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Iwobi will be in action with the Super Eagles in their friendly matches against Ghana and Mali.

Iwobi's speaks on Ghana vs Nigeria

Sports Brief earlier reported on Iwobi explaining the importance of Nigeria getting a positive result against their bitter rivals in the Jollof Derby.

Nigeria and Ghana fans bantered each other on social media during the 20923 AFCON, and a win is vital for both of these teams.