Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has condemned the criticism directed at Super Eagles player, Alex Iwobi, by fans following the team’s loss in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 final.
The Herald can report that many fans blamed Iwobi for the 2-1 loss against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
The midfielder, 27, has deleted all his posts on Instagram, disclosing that he took himself off social media immediately after the final match as a result of unpleasant messages, abuse and threats directed towards him.
Reacting, Omokri urged Super Eagles fans to treat players with more respect, noting that the opposite could make potential call-ups to reconsider playing for Nigeria.
“Tomorrow, when Nigerian football players in Europe refuse to take a leave of absence from their clubs, where the club management and fans are treating them well, to play for Nigeria, we Nigerians will condemn them.
“We won’t remember how shabbily we treated Iwobi despite being part of a team that took us to the AFCON finals.
“Iwobi, by temperament, is such a calm and mellow person. He has treated Nigeria far better than Nigeria has treated him. He does not deserve the cyberbullying. And other players are watching and learning.
“In truth, the only times many Nigerians, especially Southerners, behave well with you is when they want something from you,” he said.