Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has spoken out about the online abuse directed at teammate Ola Aina following Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON final.
Omeruo revealed shocking messages, including death threats, that Aina received on social media platforms like Instagram.
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“For example, someone wrote to Ola Aina on Instagram, ‘I hope you die’. They just write whatever, they don’t care about the consequences and most times I have stopped myself from replying to a lot of messages.
He condemned such behaviour, emphasizing the detrimental effects it has on players’ confidence and mental well-being.
Omeruo added, “I was speaking to Ola and he made some comments that I won’t say here but if we lose a player like him just because of some bullying from some fans that are not even important, then it’s going to affect us.”
Expressing concern over the impact of online bullying, Omeruo highlighted Aina’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament and underscored the unfairness of targeting him for criticism after one bad game.
“Imagine, Ola Aina was one of the best players in the tournament and was named in the Team of the Tournament as well.
“For having one bad game and you kill him, you go to his Instagram DM and insult him, and it kills the confidence of the players so what if they decide it’s not worth it, I’m not coming”
He emphasized the need for fans to show more empathy and respect towards players, recognizing the pressure they face on the field.
Omeruo emphasized that such abusive behaviour could ultimately drive players away from representing their national team, which would be a significant loss for Nigerian football.
He called for a collective effort to address online abuse and create a more supportive environment for players.
The Super Eagles defender’s comments shed light on the dark side of social media and the importance of fostering a culture of respect and encouragement within the football community.
It’s a reminder that behind the jerseys are individuals who deserve compassion and understanding, not unwarranted hostility.
