Ex-Super Eagles star condemns 'Noble treatment', tasks home-based players on AFCONQ

Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has condemned in strong terms the recent decision of the Nigeria Football Federation to 'blacklist' Enyimba of Aba goalkeeper, John Noble, from the Nigerian national team.

The goalkeeper was part of Nigeria's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad to Cameroon but was not paid his match bonuses, totaling $25,000 as received by his teammates. 

The aggrieved player expressed his grouse in the media which drew the ire of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Udeze who confirmed that he is owed over $5,000 by the Nigerian FA during his playing days, spoke on the treatment meted to Noble and harped on the role played by captain Ahmed Musa on the issue.

"What John Noble is experiencing is uncalled for. He was part of the team and should be paid his bonuses," Udeze said on Brila FM, Lagos.

"What Ahmed Musa said about his (Noble) account number not being correct is wrong. As the captain of the team, he ought to collect his payment last after other players have been sorted.

"What stopped him (Musa) from calling Noble to provide an alternative bank account details. Why didn't the NFF do this to the so-called big players.

"I experienced a similar thing. I did not collect my match bonus for an Afcon qualifier, about $5,000. I also paid my air fares and there were no refund," Udeze revealed.

The onetime West Brom left-back then tasked the home-based Eagles to do their utmost best in order to guarantee their invitations for the 2023 Afcon qualifiers.

"The home-based players must not be discouraged if you ask me. They have to keep producing good performances for their clubs. Who knows, a couple of them could get a chance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers," Udeze added. 

Bendel Insurance defeated hosts, Akwa United 2-0 in the opening match of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

Izuchukwu Michael

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