Iwobi deletes Instagram posts as criticism mounts over AFCON final loss

Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has deleted all but one post on his Instagram page 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.

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.

The Fulham midfielder featured for 79 minutes as the Eagles failed to add to their three AFCON titles.

Iwobi was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf for the last 10 minutes of the game.

This is not the first time that Iwobi would be criticised after a major tournament. The 27-year-old was knocked for his performance when the team exited the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon after a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in the Round of 16.

Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye under fire over Super Eagles’ exit from AFCON

No one should criticise Super Eagles, Osimhen’s sister speaks in defence

A check by QEDNG on Monday, February 12 showed Iwobi had deleted all but one post on his Instagram page where he has 1.3 million followers.

The post about a fashion brand was shared on December 1, 2023 with its comment section muted.

Reports said the former Arsenal star took the move after critics began attacking him in the comment section of his posts.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen’s sister Blessing has said that Nigerians should not criticise the Super Eagles over the outcome of the match.

“No one should criticize dem about their performance bcs they have all done well,” she wrote on Instagram.

The Super Eagles team and crew are scheduled to arrive in Abuja on Monday evening.