The Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, Harrison Jalla, has announced that the organization will send a “strongly worded” letter to the Chief of Army Staff. This action follows reports of former Super Eagles striker Uche Nwofor being mistreated by soldiers at Artillery Barracks 302 in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Nwofor, who played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, shared his experience on Instagram, saying that while he was enjoying his time with friends at the barracks, he was confronted by soldiers. These soldiers made him sit on the floor and forcibly cut his dreadlocks.
Nwofor, who is currently not playing for any team, described the incident, questioning why he was treated this way, emphasizing that he was not involved in any criminal activities. He mentioned that he was simply relaxing and drinking with friends in a place he considered safe. He reiterated his past contributions to Nigerian football, noting that he had previously met with some of the soldiers and had not caused any trouble.
Reacting to the incident, Harrison Jalla condemned the soldiers’ actions, calling them unbelievable and unacceptable. He emphasized that as a retired football player who had served the country, Nwofor deserved respect and should not be humiliated. Jalla questioned the soldiers’ authority to judge Nwofor’s appearance, specifically his dreadlocks. He assured that PFAN would pursue this matter vigorously, writing to the Chief of Army Staff to demand a thorough investigation. Jalla also referenced a past incident where the police killed Dele Udoh, suggesting a pattern of mistreatment towards former athletes.
The incident has sparked numerous reactions, especially from the football community. Former Eagles striker Victor Obinna Nsofor expressed his outrage, calling the incident unacceptable. Another former player, Elvis Chisom Chikatara, also criticized the soldiers, while other social media users called for further actions against the perpetrators. Suggestions included reporting the incident to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, filing a case in court, and involving the National Human Rights Commission. One user emphasized the need to make the incident viral, highlighting Nwofor’s contributions to Nigerian football and calling for justice.
Nwofor’s football career includes significant achievements. At the U-20 level, he scored four goals in five games during the 2011 African U-20 AFCON, helping Nigeria win the title. He also made an impact at the U-20 World Cup in Colombia, scoring twice against Croatia. At the senior level, he was capped nine times and scored three goals between 2010 and 2014. Despite his contributions, he now faces humiliation from the very country he once represented on the international stage.