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Following Nigeria's AFCON run, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has condemned the cyberbullying faced by teammate Alex Iwobi.
Nwabali kicked against Iwobi's cyberbullying during an interview with newsmen on Tuesday night.
During the interview, he urged fans to embrace sportsmanship and support players through hardship.
Nwabali, who emerged as a hero himself despite the team's second-place finish, acknowledged the national desire to win but condemned the online abuse directed at Iwobi following perceived underperformance.
"It's not really nice, to be honest," Nwabali stated in the interview. "Everyone wants to win, but it's not okay to target players with negativity."
He empathized with Iwobi's situation, highlighting the mental pressure faced by athletes at the highest level.
"Even I felt emotional at times," he confessed, referencing teammates Maduka and Francis who also faced criticism. "It takes a strong guy to handle that. Cyberbullying is never the answer."
Iwobi: Nwabali Calls for Sportsmanship
Nwabali's call for sportsmanship extends beyond this specific incident. He encourages fans to remember that mistakes are part of the game and to offer support during difficult times.
"Everyone makes mistakes," he stressed. "We need to wish everyone well."
While the interview focused heavily on the cyberbullying issue, Nwabali's comments shed light on a wider culture of support within the Nigerian team.
He repeatedly credited his experienced teammates for guiding him through his first major tournament, fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement.
This focus on camaraderie serves as a counterpoint to the negativity directed at Iwobi. It paints a picture of a team fighting together and supporting each other on and off the field, regardless of individual performances or national expectations.
Nwabali's final remarks further emphasized the importance of collective effort and a positive outlook.
He expressed his pride in being part of a team considered heroes by the nation and encouraged continued support as they strive for future achievements.
By speaking out against cyberbullying and advocating for sportsmanship, Nwabali has gone beyond celebrating his own success.
He has used his platform to promote a culture of respect and support within the Nigerian football community, setting a positive example for fans and players alike.
