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A former Nigeria U-17 international, Ibanga Mbetobong Samuel, has filed a ₦2 billion lawsuit against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing the governing body of abandonment and negligence following a career-ending injury sustained while on national duty in 2010, Footynaija.com reports.
The 31-year-old, who now works as a butcher and scrap dealer in Owerri, Imo State, claims the NFF failed to provide adequate medical support after he sustained a serious knee injury during a match against the Republic of Congo in Pointe Noire while representing Nigeria at the U-17 level.
In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Owerri (Case No. FHC/OW/FHR/30/2025), Samuel described the treatment he received as “inhuman and degrading.”
According to court filings obtained by Legit.ng, the NFF allegedly dismissed him for underperformance instead of funding his treatment.
Samuel recounted how his surgery in 2011 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, was only possible due to intervention from then-Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Director of Kwara Football Academy, Mr. Kumbi Titiloye. However, the operation only offered temporary relief, and doctors advised him to quit football to avoid further damage.
“I sell meat and collect metal scraps to survive. This is not the life I envisioned when I wore the green and white jersey of Nigeria,” Samuel stated.
The NFF failed to appear in court when the case was heard on June 18. The matter has been adjourned until July 16, 2025, for a definite hearing.
