The Super Eagles of Nigeria have landed at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in the early hours of Tuesday Morning.
The three-time African Champions landed in Abuja via Value Jet Airline at around 12.30 am from Abidjan, led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh and the NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau. The Super Eagles were welcomed by the General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Sanusi, the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Watti and Nigeria football-loving fans.
Senator Owoh had a conversation with Super Eagles Midfielder, Alex Iwobi amid criticisms he received after the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Cote’d Ivoire. Iwobi deleted all his Instagram posts as he faced cyberbullying.
The Senator while speaking to Iwobi revealed that “ I am aware of what is happening on Social media and as a ministry, this isn’t the first time we are going to make a statement against bullying, not just you but our sportsmen and women in general who are exposed to bullying due to the outcome of competitions. We are concerned about how our sportsmen and women are treated“. He also encouraged the player saying “You did your best for your country and I am proud of you. The leadership and the rest of the country is proud of you. Those who are not in the far minority and do not speak for the rest of our country, so just be strong”.
It would be recalled that Nigerian Goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye was also a victim of cyberbullying after he conceded a goal against Tunisia during the 2021 Nations Cup in Cameroon which led to Nigeria’s elimination from the tournament.
The Super Eagles lost the final of the 2023 African Nations Cup to the Host Nation, Ivory Coast on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat. William Troost Ekong scored in the first half before Franck Kessie and Sebastian Haller scored in the second half to ensure the Ivorians won their third Nations Cup after winning it in 1992 and 2015.
