Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said he would stop playing for the national team if he was part of the squad that has been on the receiving end of criticism from supporters.
The Super Eagles are currently second in Group F after managing four points from their opening two matches and are well placed to progress to the round of 16 when they face Argentina on Wednesday.
However, despite impressing at the 2014 World Cup, Nigeria's players have failed to captivate some of the nation's fans.
Keshi is quoted by skysports.com as saying: "England and Spain are out of the World Cup, and nobody in these countries has raised hell about their team's performances, yet we get criticised for drawing with Iran.
"The fans have gone to the extent of insulting the players and their families. So how will they get inspired or motivated?
"They keep insulting the players and yet you want them to keep playing for Nigeria? If I were a player now, I'd stop playing for the national team.
"It is a shame what our fans are doing. They thought Iran was easy but they saw how difficult it was for Argentina to beat them.
"To be honest, I'm hugely disappointed. They should just give us a break. You have to support your team to the end, not insult them."
Latest Stories
-
‘Let industry players play the game ‘ – AOMC boss slams political interference in oil sector
7 mins -
‘So many regulations, yet corruption prevails’ – Dr Riverson Oppong on OMC oversaturation
16 mins -
At least 24 dead after two boats capsize off coast of Madagascar
1 hour -
Madina MP lauds White Chapel Youth Group for championing peace ahead of elections
1 hour -
Man United settle for draw at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game in charge
2 hours -
GPL 2024/2025: Prince Owusu screamer earns Medeama win over Young Apsotles
2 hours -
BBC visits mpox clinic as WHO says DR Congo cases ‘plateauing’
2 hours -
Burning old TVs to survive in Ghana: The toxic trade in e-waste
2 hours -
Perfume boss admitted he ignored Russia sanctions
2 hours -
Wicked proves popular as opening set to be biggest for Broadway film
3 hours -
Nominee for agriculture secretary completes Trump cabinet
3 hours -
ECG urges prepaid customers to top up to last one month ahead of system upgrade
3 hours -
Three more tourists named in Laos methanol deaths
3 hours -
Betway Africa offers a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
4 hours -
The rise and fall of Matt Gaetz in 8 wild days
4 hours