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Joseph Yobo

These are certainly critical times in the life of a professional footballer. While the young and upcoming anticipate getting selected to launch their careers, the old and experienced are looking for a graceful exit from the international scene. Last week, Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, listed skipper Joseph Yobo in his squad of 23 for the international friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, United States of America on Wednesday, 5th March. Yobo, who is back in the keenly-followed English Premiership, this time with Norwich City on loan from Fenerbahce FC of Turkey, last played for the African Champions at the 29th African Cup of Nations in South Africa, which Nigeria won. Here are ways Yobo can add value to the current Super Eagles in Brazil: World Cup Experience The current crop of players paraded by the Super Eagles are young and exciting but lack experience at the global stage. Presently, only Vincent Enyeama, has been to more than one World Cup, while the likes of John Obi Mikel and Victor Obinna Nsofor have had one World Cup appearance. Reinforcement in Defence It is no news that one of our defensive key players, Kenneth Omeruo, has been facing injury crisis for almost a year now; having Joseph Yobo in the team will give the Super Eagles a formidable cover at the center back position, given that our other options, which are home based players are not yet up to the challenge at the world stage. Motivational Leader Officially, Yobo is the skipper of the Super Eagles. What will then be a ship without its captain Yobo’s presence will surely harmonise the group and the multiplier effect will be a motivating factor for the Eagles. Let’s not forget that in the last two World Cups Yobo did play against Argentina, and those kinds of experiences are priceless given that the Super Eagles will be squaring up against them in less than five months time.  

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This article was first published on 18th February 2014

obimartins

Martins Okafor is a Sports Writer for Connect Nigeria. He has been a sport buff for years, following stories and development in leagues and international competitions. His interest led him to writing stories – reporting on sporting events. He has superior interest in soccer, but knows much about other sports. He plans to have a blog and to advance in sport journalism. You can email him at: obimartins85 [at] gmail.com


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