Super Eagles goalkeeper reveals near switch to Togo national team before change of heart
Super Eagles goalkeeper John Noble has opened up about his close encounter with playing for the Togolese national team, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Noble, who currently plays for Enyimba, has received multiple call-ups to the Nigerian national team but is yet to earn an official cap. He was also included in coach Augustine Eguavoen’s squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Before joining Enyimba in 2020, the 30-year-old shot-stopper had a successful stint at Togolese club Kara FC, where he helped them secure the league title and League Cup. He even won the best goalkeeper award in Togo.
During his time at Kara, Noble’s impressive performances caught the attention of the Togolese national team, who tried to persuade him to switch allegiance. However, Noble ultimately decided against it, citing his responsibilities and commitments in Nigeria.
Recalling his deliberation, Noble shared, “I remember speaking with Emmanuel Adebayor on the phone, and he said I could follow his path because he decided to represent Togo, and things worked out well for him.”
The turning point came when Noble was preparing to face Nigeria in a CHAN fixture while being part of the Togolese team. Just a day before the game, something occurred that made him change his mind.
Currently participating in the Super 6 tournament with Enyimba, Noble has mostly served as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Olorunleke Ojo throughout the season.
