The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has condemned in totality any form of cyber-bullying acts against some members of the Super Eagles following the outcome of the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
Shortly after the final of the 34th edition of AFCON, the social media space was filled with various forms of ridicule aimed particularly at midfielder Alex Iwobi and some other members of Nigeria’s senior national team.
While reacting to the development, the president of SWAN, Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement on Tuesday, February 13, through the association’s secretary-general, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, said despite losing at the final of the tournament, Super Eagles made Nigerians proud in Cote d’Ivoire.
He said: “As a professional body, we totally condemn this trend of cyberbullying acts with unsavoury comments targeted at some players or members of the Super Eagles.
“Such an approach doesn’t speak well of us. We are aware that we are a football-loving nation, but we must act and be seen as those who value each other no matter the situation.
“Generally speaking, the Nigerian team did well at the tournament against the expectation of many of us. So, let us be cautious with our comments.
“Also, let us not forget that football is a team game and there is no need whatsoever singling out any player or official for any form of attack.”
Meanwhile, SWAN has enjoined the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to work towards improving the capacity of the Super Eagles and other national teams as a way of building on the gains of the just concluded AFCON.
SWAN president, who commended the NFF hierarchy for its determination in advancing the course of the Nigerian teams said there is a need for a more robust football development approach, particularly from the grassroots.
He said: “Like I had alluded, Nigeria’s outing at the 2023 AFCON is an improvement from what happened in recent previous editions. However, efforts should now be channelled towards looking inwards.
“For instance, there has to be a reformed approach in the handling of the various Nigerian leagues especially at the elite level in a bid to churn out more quality players and coaches with zeal and patriotic inclination.
“With the outcome of the just concluded AFCON and even in the recent past, football is no longer what it used to be. So, no effort should be spared in ensuring a harmonised value chain in the ecosystem.”
SWAN Condemns Cyber-bullying Tendencies Against Iwobi, Others
