Actor Yemi Solade has defended Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi against critics following Nigeria’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire at the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Eagles were beaten 2-1 by the Elephants at the Alassane Quattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday Night.
Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller’s second-half goals cancelled William Troost-Ekong’s effort and ensured the host got their third AFCON title.
Following the defeat, Iwobi, Ola Aina and several others have been singled out for criticism. Some fans particularly questioned coach Jose Peseiro’s insistence on starting Iwobi against the host.
On Tuesday, QEDNG observed that Iwobi had deleted all the posts on his Instagram page where he has 1.3 million followers.
Reacting in an Instagram post, Yemi Solade condemned those bullying the 27-year-old, saying that Iwobi did not commit any crime by representing his fatherland.
He wrote: “ALEX IWOBI: Praise Him Today, Crucify Him Tomorrow (Nigerian Anthem)
“Iwobi committed NO CRIME representing his fatherland. Minions who suffer MYOPIA bully him for SUPER EAGLES failure to clinch gold and lift the trophy 🏆 at the AFCON ’23, concluded on Sunday, 11th of February 2023.
“I ask: Who stopped members of the families of the CYBER-BULLIES from pushing forth their sons from playing FOOTBALL ⚽ for Nigeria 🇳🇬. SMALL MINDS….. Ore Pẹ́, Aṣiwèrè gbàgbé!
“ALEX IWOBI remains an accomplished and successful footballer. You keep critiquing while you can’t lift a foot.”
