Goalkeeper John Noble has thrown his hat back into the Super Eagles ring, eager to once more don the iconic green and white jersey. The 30-year-old shot-stopper last made waves in the national arena during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, but he's now keen to reassert himself as a key contender, particularly with Nwabali currently clubless after a stellar AFCON 2025 performance.
Noble's journey with the Super Eagles began in March 2021 under the watchful eye of coach Gernot Rohr, who tapped him for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following his impressive displays with Enyimba. His stint with the national team also included a spot in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon, serving alongside Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho. However, since then, opportunities have been sparse for Noble, marking that tournament as his last brush with national duty.
Despite whispers suggesting Noble's exit from the team stemmed from a bonus dispute, the goalkeeper is clearly ready to move beyond past grievances. He shared with Flashscore.com his unwavering commitment to reclaim his place: "Many keep asking if I have retired from international football, but I haven’t. I am still part of the team, and I haven’t given up on the chance to represent Nigeria again."
“I truly miss wearing the green and white and being part of the camp and tournaments. Those moments are special, and I treasure them deeply. I remain hopeful that I will get another call-up to the Super Eagles soon, but right now, my focus is on staying fit and playing regularly with my club, Rivers United.”
For Noble, the dream of wearing the Super Eagles jersey remains as vivid as ever. "Representing Nigeria is always a huge honour, and it fills me with pride," he states with determination. As he continues to hone his skills with Rivers United, the goalkeeper is steadfast in his pursuit of national recognition, keeping his sights firmly set on a future call-up.