Court Hears Ex-Golden Eaglets Star’s Rights Suit Against NFF Today

A Federal High Court in Owerri is scheduled to sit today (Wednesday) in the ongoing case brought by former Golden Eaglets striker Mbetobong Ibanga against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), concerning the alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.

The case, filed under suit number FHC/OW/FHR/30/2025, was initially slated for a definite hearing on June 22. However, the proceedings were stalled after the NFF failed to appear or send legal representation, prompting the judge to issue a fresh hearing notice to the football body.

Ibanga’s lawyer, Hon. Barr. Ephraim Okafor, confirmed in a status report that the NFF was neither present nor represented when the case came up, despite prior notification.

Speaking with Sport360NG, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau claimed ignorance of the lawsuit, stating, “I am not aware of that.”

Ibanga, who featured for Nigeria during the 2011 CAF U-17 qualifiers against Congo, is asking the court to uphold his right to human dignity. He alleges that the NFF abandoned him following a knee injury sustained while on national duty, an injury that ultimately ended his football career.

According to court filings, the injury occurred on August 29, 2010, during a match against the Republic of Congo. Ibanga claims he was released from the team for “underperformance” rather than being offered medical attention. His injury deteriorated over time, leaving him reliant on crutches and eventually a wheelchair.

He later underwent surgery at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, funded by then Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki and officials from the Kwara State Football Academy. His surgeon warned him against continuing with football, citing the risk of losing his leg.

Ibanga also alleges a troubling encounter with Gusau in November 2024 at the NFF headquarters in Abuja. During a visit to seek assistance for his ongoing condition, he claims Gusau responded dismissively and ordered security personnel to forcefully remove him from the premises.

“I reminded him that my injury came while playing for Nigeria,” Ibanga said in a previous interview. “He told me even Super Eagles players don’t get support, so why should I? When I insisted, he asked his security to throw me out. I nearly fell, and no one cared if I was in pain.”

Ibanga’s story gained national attention in May 2023 when a news outlet spotlighted his struggles. At the time, he worked as a butcher in Calabar to support his widowed mother and younger sister. The coverage led to public support, including from the Cross River State Government, enabling him to complete his university education and launch a football outreach program for youth.

Despite making personal strides, Ibanga is determined to hold the NFF accountable. His lawyer, Okafor, described the federation’s conduct as “despicable, dehumanising, and unconscionable,” calling for legal redress.

The suit is being pursued under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules (2009), Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended), and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The matter is expected to continue today, July 16, at the Federal High Court in Owerri.