Contrary to reports (Not in The PUNCH or PUNCH Sports Extra) that Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, is considering quitting the national team, a close source to the player has revealed that the Fulham midfielder has no plan to do so, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Iwobi was the subject of stiff criticisms from fans following Nigeria’s defeat to Ivory Coast in the final of the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
The Eagles lost 2-1 to the hosts at the Stade Alassane Ouattara, ending the team’s dreams of a fourth continental crown.
The 27-year-old, who started all of Nigeria’s AFCON games, was singled out for the team’s disappointing performance and was attacked by some fans on social media.
The cyber attack forced the former Everton player to delete photos from his Instagramhandle leaving just one video post. The Fulham man also locked the comment section of the post for fear of bullying.
Following his action, reports emanated that Iwobi was considering quitting the national team after the abuse but Guardian UK reporter, Osasu Obayiuwana, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, said the former Arsenal midfielder had no such plans.
He wrote, “I just spoke to someone extremely close to @NGSuperEagles @alexiwobi. I won’t name the person, because he’s asked me not to quote him. But he knows Alex as well as anyone possibly can.
“This is what he has to say, “Alex is totally unaffected by all the noise that has been making the rounds. He has no plans to quit the Eagles, as he loves playing for his country. He cannot be hounded out by the opinions of people whose opinions don’t matter…
“Mental strength is key in this business and Alex wouldn’t be playing at this level for over nine years if he was weak. He is now a veteran of the game and doesn’t allow such negativity to get to him.
“There will always be haters and trolls but the majority of #Nigerians love him and appreciate his talent and what he has achieved…”
Iwobi will hope to return to action for Nigeria when they take on South Africa in their World Cup qualifier fixture in June.(Punch)
