Super Eagles goalkeeper John Noble Barinyima, has confirmed he expected a national team invitation at the just concluded AFCON qualifier matches, NPFLUpdates reports.
Noble was the only home-based player with the Super Eagles at the last edition of the African Cup Of Nations(AFCON) in Cameroon.
Yet-to-be capped by the national team, Noble has served as a backup goalkeeper to Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho.
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Amid speculations that the player has been ostracized from the senior men’s national team of Nigeria for his outburst after being owed $25,000 AFCON allowances; Noble said he’s yet to receive any such message from the NFF.
What Noble said about S’Eagles national invitation
“Well, I am not the coach. And the Nigeria Football Federation has never for once sent me a mail or letter that I will not be invited again to the national team because of any issue,” he said in interview with
The PUNCH
“The coach invites those he feels he needs at the moment probably based on current form. Because the truth is they cannot invite everybody at the same time.
“I just hope everyone that gets the opportunity make good use of it. Because it is about the success of the country and not just personal interest.”
Noble said, he expected an invitation ahead of the qualifier; but had to move on after it didn’t come.
“Honestly, I was expecting the invitation but when it didn’t come true I just had to move on,” he said.
“I am not the kind of person that wishes others evil; and whoever was invited, they should just represent the country well. Because the country comes first before we talk about individuals.
“If I was not invited this time, I can be called upon in the next qualifier. But important thing is for the country to qualify for the AFCON in Ivory Coast. Because only then will I be thinking of attending another AFCON.”
Speaking further, the Enyimba FC player stated it will be an honour to represent Nigeria when the opportunity comes calling.
“Definitely, I will honour every invitations because Nigeria is my country. And it is my desire to one day mount the goalpost for Nigeria and see how I can help the country get to the top. So, if I am given the opportunity, I will definitely honour it.”
