Enyimba’s John Noble Reveals Near Miss With Togo National Team
Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble has revealed that he was close to playing for the Togolese national team before opting to represent Nigeria. Noble, who has yet to earn an official cap for Nigeria, was part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Noble, who played for Togolese club Kara FC before joining Enyimba in 2020, had a successful stint with the club, helping them to win the league title and League Cup. He was also named the best goalkeeper in Togo.
However, Noble revealed that he was approached by the Togolese national team to switch allegiance and play for them. Speaking to Elegbete TV, Noble said, “I was about to naturalize to Togo. A lot of thoughts were running through my head. There were thoughts that Nigeria had a lot of goalkeepers, and there was no need to go back.”
Noble also revealed that he spoke with former Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor, who encouraged him to follow in his footsteps. However, Noble ultimately decided to represent Nigeria, citing his responsibilities to his family and community as a key factor in his decision.
Noble’s near-miss with the Togolese national team highlights the challenges faced by players in choosing which country to represent. While many players choose to represent the country of their birth or upbringing, others may opt to play for a country they are eligible for through their ancestry or residency.
Regardless of his decision, Noble’s performances for Enyimba have earned him plaudits and a place in the Super Eagles squad. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, Noble will no doubt remain a key player for both club and country.
