In an emotional appeal to the fans, Nigeria's national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has called for unity and support following a surge of cyber attacks directed at teammate Alex Iwobi.
The plea came after the Super Eagles' narrow defeat to Cote D’Ivoire in the African Cup of Nations final, a loss that hit hard but showcased the team's formidable journey to the silver medal.
President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the squad's valiant effort, awarded the players and officials the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (OON) and additional rewards, marking a significant recognition of their achievements on the continental stage.
![AFCON 2023: Ahmed Musa shows off OON as Super Eagles teammates get MON](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/14022024/5dfa4b14-a620-412d-96b6-1ec1b97df649.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
11:00 - 14.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Ahmed Musa shows off OON as Super Eagles teammates get MON
Super Eagles captain shows off OON as his teammates get MON.
!['Stop bullying Iwobi," Ahmed Musa furious in his 'letter' to Nigeria's fans](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13022024/c5a4a0bb-8118-4e29-88b2-4b4273761a9c.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
16:18 - 13.02.2024
'Stop bullying Iwobi," Ahmed Musa furious in his 'letter' to Nigeria's fans
"Instead of spreading negativity, let's show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let's uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat."
Unity in Adversity: Musa's Call to Fans
Ahmed Musa, in a heartfelt message, urged fans to redirect their frustrations from individual players to collective support for the entire team.
His statement, as reported by 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 on X, "If you want to attack, just attack all the team, not individual players," reflects a deep understanding of the unity and solidarity required in sports, especially after a tough loss.
Musa's leadership shines through as he emphasizes the importance of looking ahead to future competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers, and cherishes the unwavering support of Nigerian fans throughout their AFCON journey.
Supporting Mental Health: Osimhen's Stand Against Cyberbullying
Echoing Musa's sentiments, star forward Victor Osimhen addressed the serious implications of cyberbullying on players' mental health.
![Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa || X](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/12022024/a8c111da-cca9-4aad-805d-cfb9110e0a39.jpeg?operations=fit(480:))
Highlighting the team's internal support for Iwobi, Osimhen pointed out the necessity of constructive criticism and the potential detrimental effects of negative social media onslaughts on athletes' performances and well-being.
His advocacy for a more empathetic approach towards players underlines the critical need for awareness and action against cyberbullying in sports.