The number 19 jersey for the Nigeria Super Eagles was once considered insignificant in the team’s history until a relatively unknown young man emerged and swiftly etched his name in the annals of football history. That young man was Sunday Mba.
Before the 2013 AFCON, Mba’s name was not widely recognized, especially as he hailed from the local league, competing against a backdrop of established European stars in the Super Eagles squad.
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The then coach, the late Stephen Keshi, displayed boldness by including six home-based players in the 23-man squad, with Mba being one of them.
Initially deemed as potential benchwarmers, Mba and his local league counterparts made a lasting impact during AFCON 2013.
His journey to prominence took a decisive turn when he was selected to start in a must-win group game against Ethiopia. This decision proved pivotal, earning him a place in the Quarter-final clash against Ivory Coast.
In a stunning turn of events, Mba, facing football giants like Drogba and Yaya Toure, scored a memorable goal that captured global attention. His heroics continued as he netted the lone goal in the final, securing Nigeria’s third AFCON title.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Mba’s post-AFCON career took an unexpected turn. Amid interest from European clubs, a protracted ownership dispute between his former clubs, Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers, led to a delayed transfer saga.
Ultimately, Mba ended up signing with CA Bastia, a third-tier club in France, marking the beginning of a challenging chapter.
The AFCON hero found himself in a situation that stifled his career progression. Reports say that the delays in resolving the ownership dispute prompted European clubs to withdraw their interest, leaving Mba with limited options.
This unfortunate turn of events impacted his career, and he struggled to regain the heights of his earlier success.
Reports reveal that as of now,Sunday Mba, at the age of 33, has been without a club since 2017, effectively retiring from active football at the age of 27.
His journey, from grassroots football to international stardom and the subsequent challenges, serves as a poignant narrative in the unpredictable world of football.
Sunday Mba’s story is a reminder of the highs and lows that can define a footballer’s career, transcending the boundaries of the game.
