Ex-Nigeria U-17 Striker Accuses NFF President of Assault and Abandonment After Career-Ending Injury

Mbetobong Ibanga, once a rising star in Nigeria's U-17 national football team, has shared his harrowing experience following a career-ending knee injury sustained during national duty. In a candid interview, Ibanga recounted the challenges he faced, including inadequate medical support and financial assistance from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

After his injury, Ibanga claimed that the NFF provided him with only $100, a sum he deemed insufficient for his medical needs. This lack of support forced him to abandon his football aspirations and seek alternative means to support himself and his family. He took up work as a butcher in Calabar, Cross River State, while also pursuing education at the University of Calabar.​

Despite these setbacks, Ibanga's resilience led him to establish the Hope Regeneration Outreach, a football training center aimed at mentoring young talents and providing them with opportunities he was denied. His initiative has garnered support from the Cross River State Government and other well-wishers, marking a new chapter in his life dedicated to empowering others through sports.​

This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding the NFF's treatment of players. Former Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie has also criticized the NFF for neglecting injured female players, highlighting disparities in the attention given to male and female athletes. Such incidents raise concerns about the federation's commitment to the well-being of its players and the need for reforms to ensure fair treatment across all levels of the national teams.