Alex Iwobi Sheds Light on Osimhen’s Support Following Social Media Abuse After Nigeria’s AFCON Loss

• Alex Iwobi has opened up on the social media abuse he received
• The Fulham man was targeted after Nigeria lost the 2023 AFCON final
• Iwobi has spoken on how Victor Osimhen helped him during that period

Nigeria star, Alex Iwobi, played a crucial role in helping the Super Eagles reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2013.

However, he received abuse on social media after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast.

His teammate, African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, was worried about the Fulham star and came to check up on him the following morning.

The 27-year-old has won over 70 caps for his country and has faced social media abuse for years, even at club level with Arsenal and Everton.

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Ahead of Nigeria's friendly match against Ghana, Iwobi spoke about how Osimhen informed him about the social media storm. The Napoli striker was concerned about him.

“At two o’clock, there was a knock on the door; I was like, I don’t want room service, but I looked through the keyhole, and it is Victor Osimhen," he said via Soccernet.ng.

"I’m half-asleep with my hair everywhere, but he said, 'I’m not going to lie to you, they’ve been talking about you a lot on social media, and I want to make sure you’re good. They’re saying you’re going to retire; you’re depressed.'”

Iwobi went silent on social media for a few weeks after the AFCON final. He went on to help Fulham register a historic win at Old Trafford against Manchester United. The former Gunners star scored a last-gasp winner for the Cottagers.

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

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Iwobi opens up on abuse

Sports Brief earlier reported on Iwobi breaking his silence on the cyberbullying he faced after Nigeria's defeat in Ivory Coast.

He dismissed the abuse, adding that he has experienced cyberbullying many times in his career and prefers to stay off social media.

Osimhen defends Iwobi

Sports Brief also reported on Osimhen speaking up for Iwobi following the relentless social media abuse.

He urged Nigerians to refrain from attacking players after a bad result, stressing that they are humans and often make mistakes.