The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick have condemned in strong terms the cyber attacks on Super Eagles’ midfielder, Alex Iwobi, stressing that the virulent attacks on the player are uncalled-for given his commitment and dedication to duty for homeland over the years.
“Alex Iwobi does not deserve these attacks. He has a record of utmost dedication to duty and a remarkable attitude of giving his all on international duty.
“We cannot suddenly forget the great moments he has made on duty for Nigeria, like scoring that goal against Zambia in Uyo that qualified Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Pinnick recalled the many sacrifices Iwobi have endured to bring glory to Nigeria.
“ Alex Iwobi is a patriot who should be celebrated and not bullied on social media. He had the option of not playing for Nigeria but chose the country of his ancestors,” stressed the former NFF president.
Pinnick also recalled how he had to ferry Iwobi in his private boat from Benin Republic to Ilase Beach to stay the night when he was diagnosed with Covid-19 while his teammates played the Squirrels.,” the FIFA Council member stressed.
According to NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, Iwobi is the seventh most capped Nigerian player in history
“We are talking about someone who is actually the seventh most-capped Nigerian footballer in history. With 76 caps, Alex Iwobi has nothing to prove to anyone about his patriotic fervour and dedication to duty for Nigeria. Please let us show him love and not hatred,” he pleaded last night.
Iwobi is behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu and Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal (of blessed memory) in the record of most caps players for Nigeria, and has travelled to different countries and continents to defend the green-white-green for about eight years now.
He has featured for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia in 2018 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 (Egypt), 2021 (Cameroon) and Cõte d’Ivoire (2023).
