‘If It Happens To Me I’ll Break Down’ – Stanley Nwabali on Iwobi’s cyberbullying issues

Speaking to Arise TV, the Chippa United goalkeeper delivered a heartfelt condemnation of the toxic behaviour exhibited by some football fans. 

His words not only shed light on the darker side of sports fandom but also highlighted the resilience required by players to withstand such unwarranted scrutiny.

"It is not really nice to be honest, I know the country we find ourselves in, everyone is desperate to win, everyone needs this cup, even when we are playing against the biggest team in the world, we want to win. 

"When you talk about Alex, to be honest, sometimes, I feel emotional during the time of Maduka, Francis Uzoho, I look at Francis and tell him, bro; you’re a man, it’s not easy, a lot of players always break down, to be really honest, if it happens to me, I am going to break down," Nwabali expressed, touching on the emotional toll such cyber attacks can have on players. 

His empathy towards his teammates and his candid admission reveal the human aspect often overlooked in professional sports.

In his plea for a change in fan behaviour, Nwabali didn't mince words: “Before the AFCON, in the interview I granted, I told them: a lot of people are waiting for me to make a mistake, then they show themselves on the internet. 

"It’s not nice, we really need to wish everyone well.” This statement underscores the need for a shift in how fans engage with players, emphasizing encouragement over criticism. His message is clear: athletes need support, not scrutiny, to thrive and perform at their best.

Despite the Super Eagles' commendable second-place finish at the 2023 AFCON, losing to hosts Cote D’Ivoire in a closely contested 2-1 match, the spotlight fell on the darker aspects of sports fandom. 

Nevertheless, Nwabali's standout performance throughout the tournament won him accolades and admiration, marking him as a player of exceptional calibre and character.