Former Nigeria U-17 striker, Ibanga Mbetobong Samuel (popularly known as Mbet Samuel), has accused Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, of ordering his security aides to a+s@ult him during a visit to the NFF office in November 2024.
In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters, the ex-footballer recounted being abandoned by the NFF after suffering a severe knee injury while representing Nigeria in the 2011 CAF U-17 AFCON qualifiers. He claimed that the injury, sustained ahead of a match against Congo, went untreated — eventually ending his career and leading to a p@inful medical diagnosis: knee osteoarthritis.
Samuel said he underwent surgery at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, but doctors told him he had just five years left to play professionally. His career was effectively over, leaving him in poverty and depr+ss+on.
In a desperate attempt to seek assistance, Samuel visited the NFF headquarters in Abuja. He said instead of compassion, he was dismissed by Gusau, who allegedly became angry when reminded of Samuel’s service to the country and then ordered his aides to p¥sh him out of the building.
“I was treated like a d+g. They pushed me even though I told them I had a leg injury. It was h¥miliating,” Samuel said. “All I asked for was empathy — not money, just recognition and support for someone who gave everything for Nigeria.”
As of press time, the NFF has not commented on the allegations. Repeated attempts to reach NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire for a response were unsuccessful.
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