The Spanish Embassy at Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island has refused to issue a work permit to Nigeria international and Real Betis midfielder Nosa Igiebor.

Except the Nigeria Football Federation steps into Nosa's case, it might be difficult for the Super Eagle to leave the country soon.

It would be recalled that last Tuesday the duty officer at the embassy informed Nosa that his birth certificate is not valid.

Further investigations by this portal revealed that officials of the Spanish embassy have demanded for Nosa's original birth certificate, which was issued more than 22 years ago!

''Nosa is waiting to hear from the embassy today (Friday, ed). He has been running around to fix things.

''The embassy said there's a problem with his birth certificate. No, it is not a fake one. They said it was issued in 1993 and he was born in 1990. They want him to bring the birth certificate issued to him at the time of his birth in 1990.

''That birth certificate has been submitted by Nosa to other embassies and he was granted a visa. Why is the Spanish embassy being difficult?

''I think there is something the Embassy has not told us. We are hoping everything will be resolved soon,'' a source close to Nosa Igiebor explained to allnigeriasoccer.com.

This is not the first time a European embassy is frustrating the work permit application of a Nigeria international.

Two years ago, another midfielder Sani Kaita saw his switch to Beerschot stall after the Belgian embassy delayed in issuing him a permit. Kaita's contract was later terminated.