Former Nigerian striker Jonathan Akpoborie recently shared the story of his unexpected call-up to the Super Eagles during a match against Togo. Speaking with Elegbete TV Sports, Akpoborie revealed how he found himself on the field after enjoying a meal of pounded yam at the home of Honourable Nduka Irabor.
“I was at Nduka’s house, and we had pounded yam. He convinced me to go watch the game, though I thought the Area Boys wouldn’t let me rest,” Akpoborie recalled. Despite his initial reluctance, they went to the stadium.
At halftime, with Nigeria trailing 1-0, Akpoborie was surprised when someone approached him with a message from head coach Bonfrere Jo, who requested his presence.
“I looked at Nduka and asked, ‘How did Bonfrere know I was here?’” Akpoborie said. Apparently, news of his attendance had reached the coach, who, under pressure from fans and officials, summoned him to the dressing room, even though he had just finished his meal.
“They said I had to play, and when Nigeria calls, you can’t say no,” Akpoborie added. Despite the unusual circumstances, he suited up, joining the match.
After that game, Akpoborie continued with the team on their journey to America.
The former striker also addressed rumors about his exclusion from Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic football squad, dismissing claims of tribal bias. He explained that Bonfrere Jo wanted him on the team, but Nigeria’s overage player limit left him as an alternate. Akpoborie would have replaced any of the three chosen overage players — Uche Okechukwu, Emmanuel Amunike, or Daniel Amokachi — had one of them been injured.
Akpoborie’s story reflects the unexpected nature of football and the pride of playing for Nigeria, even after a meal of pounded yam.
