Comedian Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has called on Nigerians to halt cyberbullying against Alex Iwobi.
AY, via his Instagram account, urged Super Eagles fans to stop targeting Iwobi online, stating that his only offense was representing his country.
This request comes after Iwobi and other players received criticism following Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. Iwobi subsequently deleted all his Instagram posts after the final match.
AY urged Nigerians to consider the negative impact of their actions and shift towards a culture of care and respect on the internet to prevent cyberbullying.
“Anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying. Malicious information posted on the internet can spread far and wide at an instant, and it is always difficult to be deleted completely. The immediacy of the spread makes it hard for victims to defend themselves or take precautions. The harm caused by cyberbullying is always ignored by computer or mobile phone users.
“It is so sad to see how you all have exhibited various forms of cyberbullying on a young man whose only crime was to come and represent his father land. Tomorrow, you all will still be wondering why the likes of Saka and others are never going to play for Nigeria?
“It’s time to think beyond your personal interests and look at the negative effects of your evil actions.
“Let’s help promote a culture of care and respect on the internet and prevent cyberbullying,” AY said.
