Iwobi returns to social media following AFCON backlash

Fulham's Nigerian midfielder #22 Alex Iwobi (L) celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the EPL football match between Man United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 24, 2024. Photograph: AFP

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has returned to social media weeks after he was abused on several online platforms.

Iwobi was trolled by fans across Instagram and X over his performance in the 2023 African Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

In the wake of the attack, the midfielder deleted all his posts on Instagram and deactivated his X account.

Iwobi got a lot of support from his teammates and former Nigerian players like his uncle Austin Okocha, who knocked those who abused the Fulham man for attacking the 27-year-old.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, also urged him to keep his head up after the heavy criticisms from fans.

The Nigeria international shared his first post on his Instagram page for the first time in three weeks on Sunday night.

The post shared by Iwobi was a compilation of his stand-out moments during the 2023 AFCON and his recent performances since returning to Premier League club Fulham, including his late winner against Man United in their 2-1 triumph.

In the clip he shared, Iwobi was heard rapping, saying, “They said I wasn’t good enough, but forgot I was playing in a position I wasn’t used to.”

This could be referring to the defensive role he had to play for the Eagles during the AFCON.

He also thanked (Frank) Lampard with a line for moving him from the wing to the midfield, saying, “You know me, I got to shout-out Frank (Lampard).. My page was looking blank giving me the licence to perform upon the flanks then he pushed me to the middle and I went up in the banks more inside the tank and there’s so much more to give.”

Some of his Eagles teammates commented on his post on Instagram, backing him after his return.

AFCON MVP William Troost-Ekong wrote, “My brother.”

Nigerian forward, Emmanuel Dennis, added, “The man is back.”

Midfielder Frank Onyeka simply wrote, “My guy”, while Kelechi Iheanacho added, “Love it brother.”