Super Eagles legend, JayJay Okocha, has expressed his unconditional support for his nephew, Alex Iwobi, who has been subjected to vicious cyberbullying after Nigeria’s defeat to Cote D’Ivoire in the African Cup of Nations final match.
Okocha took to his Instagram page on Tuesday to share a heartfelt message of solidarity and encouragement for Iwobi, who deleted most of the videos and photos on his Instagram page following the backlash from angry fans.
“I pray for my country Nigeria and the people that can only hate and see nothing good in others, when effort counts for nothing, treat people the way you want them to treat you, all we have is this life is each other,” Okocha wrote.
He added, “We love you #alexanderiwobi and we keep going no matter what they say, the Lord is good all the time and we trust that his will be done in our lives amen.”
Okocha, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, also urged Iwobi’s critics to be more compassionate and respectful, saying, “Treat people the way you want them to treat you.”
Iwobi, who plays for Everton in the English Premier League, was part of the Super Eagles squad that lost 1-2 to the hosts, Ivorians, in the AFCON 2023 final on Sunday. The Ivorian team dominated the game and overpowered the midfield of the Super Eagles.