By Samuel Olusegun Precious
An open letter has been issued calling for urgent medical and financial intervention for Binaebi Carlos Numa, former Vice Captain of Nigeria’s 1985 Golden Eaglets team.In the letter dated Thursday, June 25, 2026, signed by Ebbyzymore Inmohtap Numa, the family said Binaebi is currently battling a movement disorder linked to old sports injuries, diagnosed as Parkinson’s, and requires Deep Brain Stimulation, DBS, surgery abroad estimated at ₦80M – ₦100M.
‘The Man Who Opened Germany’s Door for JJ Okocha’
The family described Binaebi as a multi-sport athlete from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, who represented Nigeria in Table Tennis, Hockey, Football, Basketball, and Lawn Tennis. He captained the 1985 Golden Eaglets that won Nigeria’s first FIFA trophy in China and later played professionally in Germany for Borussia Neukirchen.The letter alleges Binaebi scouted and invited Austin “JJ” Okocha to Germany in 1990, and also facilitated moves for Karibe Ojigwe and his brother.
Allegation of Sack and Unpaid Entitlements
The family claimed that after a directive from Bayelsa State during Admiral Poubeni’s Birthday Match for his medical bill to be fast-tracked, Binaebi was instead relieved of his role as Bayelsa Queens Team Manager without a letter, benefits, or backlog of allowances. “He has lived with me and my family for 12 years with tremors, speech loss, and mobility challenges,” the letter stated.
Appeal to Governments
The family is appealing to the Governors of Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, the National Sports Commission, NFF, and the German Embassy for urgent medical funding, payment of backlogged entitlements, and support for medical transfer abroad.Exceed FM has not independently verified all claims in the letter. Efforts to reach the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports for comments are ongoing.
