₦airaland Forum

joseph1013:
[b]

That's preposterous! It wasn't because they didn't adapt to his philosophy. It was because like most coaches, he brought players from his former club, players he believes would be helpful to the new club. Mourinho took Carvalho and Essien to Madrid, and fought to take Lampard and Drogba. Was it because Madrid's stars could not adapt? The same guy had taken Ferreira and Carvalho from his Porto to Chelsea years earlier. Guardiola took Thiago to Bayern. Name a top coach that did not poach (or try to poach) good players from his former team to his present side?

Even if it is true (remember it is not), then you just shot yourself in the foot. You say a great team like Barca that was coached by the legendary Cryuff could not adapt for months to Van Gaal's philosophy. A team with top players such as Pep Guardiola , José Mari
Bakero , Txiki Begiristain , Ion Andoni Goikoetxea , Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup , Romário, Gheorghe Hagi, and Hristo Stoichkov. A team that won La Liga four times between 1991 and 1994, and won the 1989 European Cup Winners' Cup as well as that of 1992. A team that won the Copa del Rey in 1990, the European Super Cup in 1992 and three Super Cups. A team so great it was called the "Dream Team". You say they couldn't adapt to a coach's philosophy in many months. Yet you're convinced that a few hours of training by a rookie like Iwobi would have made him imbibe Siasia's philosophy.

Can you smell the dichotomy? [/b]

joseph1013:
[b]

Are you kidding me? That's preposterous! It wasn't because they didn't adapt to his philosophy. It was because like most coaches, he brought players from his former club, players he believes would be helpful to the new club. Mourinho took Carvalho and Essien to Madrid, and fought to take Lampard and Drogba. Was it because Madrid's stars could not adapt? The same guy had taken Ferreira and Carvalho from his Porto to Chelsea years earlier. Guardiola took Thiago to Bayern. Name a top coach that did not poach (or try to poach) good players from his former team to his present side?

Even if it is true (remember it is not), then you just shot yourself in the foot. You say a great team like Barca that was coached by the legendary Cryuff could not adapt for months to Van Gaal's philosophy. A team with top players such as Pep Guardiola , José Mari Bakero , Txiki Begiristain , Ion Andoni Goikoetxea , Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup , Romário, Gheorghe Hagi, and Hristo Stoichkov. A team that won La Liga four times between 1991 and 1994, and won the 1989 European Cup Winners' Cup as well as that of 1992. A team that won the Copa del Rey in 1990, the European Super Cup in 1992 and three Super Cups. A team so great it was called the "Dream Team". You say they couldn't adapt to a coach's philosophy in many months. Yet you're convinced that a few hours of training by a rookie like Iwobi would have made him imbibe Siasia's philosophy.

Can you smell the dichotomy? [/b]

TheGoodJoe:
You can win a hundred titles but adaptation to a different philosophy is different. Look at how long it is taking Man United players to adapt. Fans even boo Van Gaal and say he does not know what he is doing.

I think at AZ, Van Gaal finished 13th. The next season, they won the title. That is how effectiveness works.

So you can not say because a team won titles in the past, they will adjust easily to any pattern.

Take the current Barcelona team and see how easily they will adapt to a parked bus system.

It does not work like that. Systems are different and it takes time for teams to blend into it. That is why people shout buy this, buy that. There is more to the game than throwing players on the pitch.

TheGoodJoe:

I am saying it is easier for an Iwobi who has worked and trained with Coach Siasia to pick up faster, than a player who has never trained.

I am not saying Iwobi knows and plays Coach Siasia's philosophy inside out. It takes years to master systems. That is why Coach Monday Sinclair gave the two years time table.

joseph1013:
It seems to me like you have no idea that I am a Barca fan and I could reel out the club's history in my sleep. Please tell me how Van Gaal's system of play and philosophy was strikingly different from Cruyff's own that those top players were not able to adapt for many months and how it took Kluivert and co? I will wait.

joseph1013:
And I am saying that's just an excuse which is not support by evidence. Iwobi training for a few hours does not give him a better heads up than a brand new player like Leon Balogun or Ekpolo or Awuzie. We even hear of established players who have to start from scratch to adapt every time they come to camp because every time they return to their clubs, they have to reset their 'brains' to their club's formation.

joseph1013:
And I am saying that's just an excuse which is not support by evidence. Iwobi training for a few hours does not give him a better heads up than a brand new player like Leon Balogun or Ekpolo or Awuzie. We even hear of established players who have to start from scratch to adapt every time they come to camp because every time they return to their clubs, they have to reset their 'brains' to their club's formation.

TheGoodJoe:

Do you know Johann Cruyff is a big critic of Van Gaal's playing style. If they are so similar, would Cruyff criticise it?

If the players were so perfect for his system, would Van Gaal bring his own players?

joseph1013:
Cryuff criticized the philosophy Van Gaal is using at Man Utd, not the one he used at Barca. And it's simple. Man Utd has got average players therefore in a competitive league like EPL, it's very difficult. Van Gaal's philosophy is the way Barca plays. Keep the ball, pass it side to side and wait for mistakes in the defensive formation to make advantage of those opportunities. For this to be successful every player has to be comfortable on the ball.

I will lay this to rest if you can give me links where Cruyff criticized Van Gaal's playing philosophy at Barca.

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We have to respect Egypt, says Nigeria assistant coach Amuneke
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The one time Zamalek player and African player of the year in 1994 tells the Super Eagles they have to work hard to get past the Pharaohs
[img]http://english.ahram.org.eg/Media/News/2016/3/10/2016-635932346966960509-696.jpg[/img]
Nigeria players during a training session )Photo: Reuters(

Nigeria assistant coach Emmanuel Amuneke has asked the Super Eagles to respect their opponent ahead of their Nations Cup qualifiers' double header against Egypt.


The 45-year-old Nigerian assistant coach, who helped Egypt's Zamalek as a player win two Egyptian League titles in 1992-1993, said he believes the Super Eagles can claim victory in both legs, but only through hard work.


The Super Eagles will host the Pharaohs on 25 March in Kaduna before playing the Egyptian side again four days later at Borg El-Arab stadium in Alexandria.


"We have to work hard, the team we are playing are a very good side," Amuneke told Nigerian website Naij on Thursday.


"For them to be topping the group, it shows that they are good but nobody is unbeatable, we just have to work hard."


"The key to success is hard work, we have to respect the opponent and just have to play to win. That is what the game is all about," he added.


With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, second-placed Nigeria have no choice but to beat current group leaders Egypt to improve their position in the group.


Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of Nigeria.

joseph1013:
Cryuff criticized the philosophy Van Gaal is using at Man Utd, not the one he used at Barca. And it's simple. Man Utd has got average players therefore in a competitive league like EPL, it's very difficult. Van Gaal's philosophy is the way Barca plays. Keep the ball, pass it side to side and wait for mistakes in the defensive formation to make advantage of those opportunities. For this to be successful every player has to be comfortable on the ball.

I will lay this to rest if you can give me links where Cruyff criticized Van Gaal's playing philosophy at Barca.

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Sunderland turn down chance to sign trialist Chinedu Obasi after former Schalke striker struggles to prove his fitness
By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail
22:40 26 Oct 2015, updated 22:40 26 Oct 2015
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https://static.goal.com/226800/226865_news.jpg
Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi

justiz5:
This was the last I heard about this guy. Where is he now?
.
[/b][/color]

NLban:

Fanen Adi and Chikatara are ahead of Isaac Success what they have produced with their clubs. Chikatara's goals qualified his club for NPL while, Fanen (Fanendo) Adi's goals propelled his Club to Win MLS so who is Isaac Success. Or you think to score 19 goals in the MLS is not a feat to attract national team call up?

TheSuperNerd:
He's currently "unattached".

In other words, "clubless".

www.transfermarkt.com/chinedu-obasi/profil/spieler/41663

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Eagles must score, home and away
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https://images.supersport.com/2016/3/flags-nigeria-egypt-sm.jpg

Ben Ikechukwu
Tension is high ahead of the all important AFCON 2017 qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt billed to be held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in the city of Kaduna on March 25. .


The new sheriff in town, Coach Samson Siasia appears to be unperturbed in his quest to amass the maximum points at stake against the Pharaohs. He has asked Nigerians not to panic as the qualification ticket to Afcon 2017 will be secured after the two legged encounter.


“I want to passionately appeal to Nigerians, everybody, to show belief in the team and give us total support. It will not be easy, but if we stick together and present a united force to fight this battle, I believe we will triumph." he said.


Basking in the euphoria of the victorious achievement of the U23 Afcon championship in Senegal last year. 'Siaone' seemingly understands the task at hand judging by the huge pool of 43 players he called up initially.


Although the window for preparation is short there are key areas that will witness change as far as the new gaffer is concerned.



First a robust defence
The Super Eagles are no greenhorns when it comes to sealing the back. With the likes of in-form Leon Balogun, Godferry Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Edison Echiejine and Afe Ambrose and home based players, Kalu Orji Okogbue (Enugu Rangers); Chibuzor Okonkwo (FC IfeanyiUbah); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors); Sincere Seth (Rhapsody FC); Segun Oduduwa (Nath Boys); Chima Akas (Akwa United); Chris Madaki (Kano Pillars); Oke Ogogatewho (Sunshine Stars) Coach Siasia will have a though decision to make when he selects his final team. But there is no doubt he has the players.


Success will also depend largely on the kind of formation he adopts especially knowing the attacking prowess of the Egyptians. This department will need not just reliability but the ability to cover for each other.


Especially so to coral danger-man Mohammed Saleh[below]whose chief asset is his acceleration and nose for the goal. .
https://vid.alarabiya.net/images/2014/01/26/9a9e7e52-d5b9-4eb3-913d-53b59b60ec7a/9a9e7e52-d5b9-4eb3-913d-53b59b60ec7a_16x9_788x442.jpg
Attack must grow claw and beak
Once upon a time the Super Eagles of Nigeria were known for their attacking flair and swashbuckling ingenuity.


But other than the 4-1 Chan rout of Niger they have not scored more than two goals in a game for a long long time. This has got to change because apart from being two points behind the Egyptians, the Eagles also lag behind the Pharaohs on goals scored.


The Pharaohs have scored eight while Nigeria have scored a miserly two in their two matches
This lack of finishing firepower upfront needs to be fixed and with the likes of Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, in sizzling form in the UK and Russia Siasia certainly has a full quiver. Aces up his sleeve also include Fenando Adi, Simon Moses, and the kola-nut boy himself Chisom Chikatara.
[img]http://www.dw.com/image/0,,17736693_303,00.jpg[/img]
Nigeria needs a big game from Musa, whose speed will give the Egyptians fits
Nigeria host Egypt on March the 25th in Kaduna and play away in Cairo four days later. Both games will belive on SuperSport

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War of words between Egypt and Nigeria
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THE 2017 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Egypt is still two weeks away but the mind game and war of words between the two camps have been intensified as the battle draws near.


*Siasia afraid of us —Egypt


*Egypt should be afraid of us —Siasia


Egypt goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagi believes that Nigeria boss Samson Siasia is using bully-boy tactics to hide his fear ahead of their double header in Group G of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.


*Siasia afraid of us —Egypt
*Egypt should be afraid of us —Siasia


“We can recreate October 1977; why not? The home-boys have come in and full training has commenced. Everyone is rearing to go. By the time the foreign-based players arrive, the competition will be what we want,” the Super Eagles caretaker coach had claimed, recalling Nigeria’s 4-0 thrashing of the Pharaohs in Lagos in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in October 1977.


“Siasia’s statements won’t affect Egypt players, or the coaching staff,” Nagi said on television on Wednesday.


“We’re used to hearing these kinds of comments from African coaches. The statements indicate he is worried about the Egypt clash. “Siasia respects the Egypt team. He knows our abilities. And we also respect the Nigeria team, as they are strong opponents, so I hope to achieve a positive result.”


Lying top of the group on six points, following back-to-back wins over Tanzania and Chad, the Pharaohs will face Nigeria in Kaduna on 25 March before hosting the Super Eagles in Alexandria four days later.


“The final squad will be announced after the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games. Then we will fly to Nigeria on 23 March in a private jet to Kaduna,” the goalkeeping coach added.


Meanwhile Super Eagles caretaker manager Samson Siasia has fired back at the Egyptian coach who said that he was afraid of the Pharaohs. Instead, Siasia has stressed that the Egyptian team should be afraid of the Eagles.


Siasia had previously said that he aims to get all the six points from Egypt in their two-legged clash in the qualifiers, and now warns his players that they cannot be afraid of Egypt.


“We are preparing very well [for the game against Egypt], some of the players have just arrived,” Siasia told TheNFF.com
“Nigeria is not afraid. Nigeria cannot be afraid of Egypt, we are playing in home what can we be afraid of? Not even away, even in the away game we cannot be afraid.


We know they are a good team and we have to be very ready. We just have to continue like that until the foreign-based players come. I told the foreign-based players that everybody can play,”


“We don’t have to be Bayern or anything, we want players who will go out there and give 120 percent on that day. We are not messing around, this is a very difficult game we are going to play. I don’t want to punish anyone, I want guys who go out there and play for us with a serious mind and achieve what we are here for. Me under pressure? I have never been under pressure before, why now?” he concluded.


It is worth noting that the 48-year-old coach has taken a disciplinary action against three of his squad players after arriving late in training without a permission by excluding them from the list for the Egypt games.

TheGoodJoe:


Cruyff has criticized Van Gaal's system since Ajax. The two guys do not even agree self. I am not ready to start digging links.

That even recently, Cruyff stopped his work at Ajax because of Edgar Davids support for Van Gaal.


Their styles look similar because of the high possession and high defense line but it is different.

Do he [Johann Cruyff] and Van Gaal share any similarities in their respective football philosophies? “No. Not much. We’re both Dutch and that is always a [shared] basis. But I always think of being in charge of the speed and of the ball. Maybe he knows more than me but I always want control of the ball. When I don’t have control of the ball what do I do? I press to get it back. It’s a way of defending. But more important is that I like to have the ball.”

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/12/johan-cruyff-louis-van-gaal-manchester-united

TheGoodJoe:

You and this your few hours? Was Iwobi in camp for one day? Did Iwobi do just one training session.

There is not enough time for preparation. So if you think one or two days preparation I not a lot baffles me.

If Coach Siasia prepares a slide and did introduction to his system. The next day they do some passing drills on the system, when the other players come, they will have to start from introduction.
The players who are in camp have an edge, it does not mean that the likes of Leon Balogun might not catch up. They can but the ones in camp understand more what the coaches want.

Just like in the match the Home based Eagles lost to the U23, you here the term, you guys are not playing to instruction.

These are guys who have trained for days with the coach, did passing and combination drills, played a game and won. Yet, they failed to play to instruction.

joseph1013:

How can you say the ones in camp understand more what the coach is saying when you say in another breath that the coming players can catch up?

Okay, what do you say to situations where local players come to camp for a month prior to the arrival of their foreign counterparts (like it happens in Keshi's time), yet as soon as the foreign guys come, they are the ones used to prosecute the matches?

What does that say about spending several hours in training to get acquainted with the coach's philosophy?

joseph1013:
What you are doing are merely diversionary tactics. You have not given me anything of Cruyff criticizing Van Gaal's philosophy at Barca. That was the question.

And see, no two systems in the world are exactly the same. It would seem that Guardiola's philosophy and Luis Enrique's philosophy are the same, but a closer look will show that Enrique has added steel to tiki taka. When we say similar philosophy, most analyst refer to similarity in attack and defence. Both Cruyff and Van Gaal don't get along on a personal note, I know that. That's not what we are talking about. The subject of this discussion is how strikingly different Van Gaal's tactics are different from Cryuff and where you see Cruyff criticize his tactics when he Gaal was at Barca.

I see we are already derailing the thread. Apologies to all forumites.

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Egypt Opens Camp March 19 For Nigeria
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https://independentnig.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/eagles-1.jpg
Chibuike Chukwu, Lagos

Pharaohs of Egypt will open its camp for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria on March 19, 2016. This was revealed by Ahmed Nagi, the team’s goalkeeper coach. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Nagi said the Egyptian national side has been intensifying preparation for the match, even though the camp was not formally declared open.


“We will open a camp on 19 March as the squad will be announced after the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games. Then we will fly to Nigeria on 23 March in a private jet to Kaduna,” he revealed.


“Our players have been training hard for the match and they will give their all in the match, so there is nothing to fear,” he said.
Nagi also said that the team was not perturbed by the words of Nigerian manager, Samson Siasia, who had expressed confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles to turn the tide against the Pharaohs in both the first and the reverse leg in Alexandria. Siasia has adopting a “no fear” approach as Nigeria prepares to face Egypt in the Nations Cup qualifiers. He believes the Super Eagles have nothing to worry in the double-header.


According to Nagi, “Siasia’s statements won’t affect Egypt players, or the coaching staff,” he told a television programme on Thursday.
“We’re used to hearing these kinds of comments from African coaches,” he said, adding that ‘the statements indicate he is worried about the Egypt clash.”


“Siasia respects the Egypt team. He knows our abilities. And we also respect the Nigeria team, as they are strong opponents, so I hope we achieve a positive result,” Nagi said.


Nigeria will host the Pharaohs on 25 March in Kaduna before playing the follow-up match four days later in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria. With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Cup of Nations, second-placed Nigeria has no choice but to beat group leaders Egypt to improve its position in the group. Egypt leads group G with six points, two ahead of Nigeria.

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Eagles on mini-break
by Andrew Randa
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https://images.supersport.com/2016/3/Super%20Eagles%20training%20session%20-%20shengolpixs.jpg
Super Eagles

Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has released some players from the Abuja training camp to play for their clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League.


Players who are also involved with their clubs in the continental games this weekend were also excused to go and play for their clubs.


Some players were retained in camp and will continue training before the others rejoin them as Samson Siasia continues to tinker the side for the crucial game against Egypt.


The team has played three games since the camp started last Monday with mixed results that will keep Siasia guessing as to which direction to go.


The Super Eagles defeated the national Under-23 side 2-0 in the first test game before losing by the same margin in the reverse leg a day later.


They were also held to a goalless draw by Katsina United in the last friendly game before the players were released.


Those selected after the Abuja camp will move to Kaduna for the final phase of preparations and will be joined by the foreign-based players from March 20 for the clash with Egypt on March 25.


Nigeria tail Egypt in second place in Group G with four points, two behind the Egyptians who lead the group. Tanzania and Chad make up the numbers from the rear.


The winner of the group automatically picks the sole ticket for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Gabon.

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Onazi Missing As Sparta, Lazio End Europa Clash In Stalemate
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Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi was an unused substitute in Sparta Prague's 1-1 draw at home to Lazio in the Round of 16 tie between both sides at the Genearali Arena on Thursday night.


David Lafata produces a great pass which finds Martin Frydek inside the penalty area, who took advantage of the situation to fire into the top left corner and make it 1-0 for the hosts in the 13th minute.


Marco Parolo restored parity for Lazio 25 minutes later as he was in the right place at the right time to pounce on the rebound inside the box, and he fire the ball home.


Lucas Biglia had made a good run into the box to collect a killer pass and slam the ball on goal, but the shot was blocked in the 5th minute by the defender with an amazing slide tackle. The ball went out-of-play and Lazio were awarded a corner kick.


The home team's main weapon were fast counter-attacks, while the away side attempted to hold onto the ball for as long as possible.

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Ezekiel Benched As Shakhtar Pip Anderlecht; ‎Sevilla, Basel End It Goaless
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Shaktar Donetsk defeated Imoh Ezekiel's Anderletch 3-1 in the quarter-final first leg of the Europa League clash played at the Donbass Arena on Thursday.


The Nigeria international who has made three appearances so far in the competition watched from the bench as his side were outclassed by the Ukrainian champions.


Brazilian forward Taison gave the hosts a deserved lead in the 21st minute and it was doubled 12 minutes later by Oleskandre Kucher who powered home a fierce shot from the edge of the box.


Frank Acheampong scored the visitors' only goal after the start of the second half to give his side a lifeline going into the second leg, but Eduardo gave the Ukrainians a comfortable 3-1 lead. Going into the second leg.


In Switzerland, Sevilla forced Basel to a goalless draw in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.


The return leg of these fixtures will hold next week.

jotey:
JOSEPH YOBO: NIGERIA’S MOST
UNDERRATED PLAYER?
As the plans for the ex-Super Eagles skipper’s
testimonial are revealed, Goal look back over the
defender’s fine career
COMMENT By Dami Ugbane
Perhaps Joseph Yobo is the most underrated
player in the history of Nigerian football.
A player of the highest quality, Yobo
demonstrated immense composure, commitment,
leadership, discipline and professionalism at his
peak as he achieved the prestigious honour of
becoming the first male Nigerian footballer to
reach 100 international caps.
The Lagos govt is planning a testimonial
for fmr @NGSuperEagles captain Joseph
Yobo https:///CesJRj5e2H
pic.twitter.com/L8NnLBn4l9
— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) February
10, 2016
He attained this milestone after 13 years of
service, scoring seven goals and playing his part
in some magnificent triumphs.
It is interesting to note that Yobo began his
international career at the U20 level as a striker!
During the World Youth Championship (WYC)
hosted in Nigeria, he sported the No. 14 jersey
playing in attack alongside the likes of Julius
Aghahowa, Pius Ikedia, and Eddy Dombraye.
Who could have foreseen, back then, all he
would achieve for the national side?
Yobo during the early years of his Nigeria career
He made his Super Eagles bow as a right back in
March 2001, against Zambia in Chingola in a
2002 Cup of Nations qualifier. He showed his
versatility at the World Cup later that year by
featuring in three different positions in each of
Nigeria's three group matches, impressing as
Nigeria dropped out of the competition at the first
hurdle.
From his early days in the national team, he
exhibited leadership traits and by his fourth year,
Yobo was consistently captaining the team
despite just being the second vice captain.
He eventually received the honour after the 2010
World Cup.
In his time with the Super Eagles, he never
conceded a penalty and was never sent off,
testament to his enduring composure under
pressure and his ability to negotiate different
types of attacking threats.
His most disappointing moment was the ill-fated
game against Angola in June 2004, when he was
widely criticised for some slack defending,
allowing Fabrice Akwa time and space to score
the lone goal of that encounter.
Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, as Yobo
demonstrated his superb versatility
It was a rare blooper in a fairly immaculate
international career.
Yobo played eight consecutive seasons with
Everton; 2002-2010, a period that coincided with
the Toffees qualifying for both the Uefa
Champions League (although they fell during the
qualifiers) and the Uefa Cup.
The 2006-07 EPL season saw Yobo featuring in
all 38 games without missing a single minute of
league action. He was only the second player in
the history of Everton to achieve this milestone,
and his consistency made him a key figure
during some of David Moyes’s finest
It is baffling to note that whenever soccer fans or
pundits list their all-time Nigerian XI, Yobo's
name is consistently omitted.
How many Nigerian defenders played with such
regularity at the same high level as Yobo?
Perhaps only Celestine Babayaro can compete
with the centre-back, and how much would guys
like Godfrey Oboabona or Kenneth Omeruo love
to emulate the achievements of their former
skipper?
A key man during some heady days at Goodison
Park
This was a defender that was on the verge on
joining Arsenal in the summer of 2006 and who
featured at three World Cups, six Afcon
tournaments—leading Nigeria to her third Nations
Cup in 2013.
Here is Nigeria's record appearance holder at the
World Cup with 10 matches.
Joseph Yobo will make his 100th
appearance for #NGR. He is the first
Nigerian to reach the century mark.
Bravo! #WorldCup
— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) June 25,
2014
Nor was Yobo one to shirk the responsibilities
that came with his lofty status; despite the
tempestuous demands of EPL competition, Mr.
Reliable never missed a match at a summer
tournament for Nigeria during his playing career
—excluding the Super Eagles’ no-show at the
World Cup in 2006!
Even in the latter stages of his career, when he
moved to Turkey, he missed just two summer
commitments, and it was telling that Stephen
Keshi turned back to Yobo to take his spot in the
heart of the defence for the national side’s foray
to Brazil in 2014.
Unfortunately, Nigerians failed to truly appreciate
his efforts and sacrifices, a clear case of 'see
finish'.
The Rivers State government must be
commended for deciding to honour a worthy
servant to the nation and a son of the soil.
Long live the centurion!