Leon Balogun reveals NFF president’s plan on Alex Iwobi’s online abuse

Social media users severely criticised Alex Iwobi for his performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations competition

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, has spoken out about the need to address social media abuse directed at football players, referencing the recent case involving Alex Iwobi, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

The Fulham star faced significant criticism and cyberbullying, prompting him to take a break from social media, following his performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

During FIFPRO’s Workplace Safety For Footballers session on X (formerly Twitter) space, the Rangers FC defender discussed potential solutions to tackle online abuse directed at players.

Balogun emphasized the importance of establishing a code of conduct and holding individuals accountable for their actions. He suggested that fans engaging in abusive behavior should face severe consequences, including police intervention.

In response to the situation involving Alex Iwobi after the AFCON final, Balogun revealed discussions with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, regarding measures to address online abuse. This includes utilizing cybersecurity and law enforcement to identify and prosecute offenders.

“Probably the most effective way to go after people at this point in time is to really make examples, and go after them hard, use police force. I spoke to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation [Ibrahim Gusau] after what happened to Alex Iwobi after the AFCON final, and he said they are going to even use cybersecurity, like cyber police kind of to find out where this particular abuse stem from. Which i think it is a very extreme measure, but it is necessary.” he said as monitored by Soccernet.ng.

Despite the challenges, Iwobi recently returned to social media, sharing a rap song detailing his experiences at the club level and his commitment to the national team.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

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  • Nigeria.,Should Try A Get A Better Football Trainers., Nigeria Has A Lot Of Talented Football Players Both In Local And International Leagues.,We Should Always Try To Infused Some Home Base Players Into The National Team.,Where The Likes Of Finidi .,Amokachi, Amuneke And The Rest Of Them Came From Then.,Under Clement Westahof.,...

    • with the kind of league we have in Nigeria? so whom are they going to replace? let us tell our self bitter truth..Home based players have nothing to offer.They are not technically sound..When last did home based eagles qualify for chan? we don't need home base now.We have good players with a good coach to complement them.

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