In the last World Cup there were so many landmarks achieved by teams, footballers and coaches. Among these achievements, the 100 club landmark is one of the most prominent with Neymar scoring the tournament’s 100th goal, Wesley Sneider achieving 100 caps for his country, Oliver Giroud scoring his country’s 100th goal in World Cup games, and more personal for us is Joseph Yobo’s appearance in the 100 club as he attained 100 caps for Nigeria.
The 100 club has been bolstered by a range of additions, with several players and sides attaining their century. Countries have reached 100 games, players have scored landmark goals and a lucky few have attained one of the most sought-after records in international football: their 100th cap.
Joseph Yobo made his 100th appearance for Nigeria, on the 30th of June 2014. After Godfrey Oboabona’s injury in the Super Eagles’ opening game against Iran, Yobo took his place in the centre of defence along with the captain’s armband. He made his 98th and 99th international appearances in the side’s remaining group games before leading his team out against France for the country’s first World Cup knockout game since 1998. He became Nigeria’s first centurion but it was not to be a fairy-tale afternoon for the skipper as he scored an own goal in second-half stoppage time as his team crashed out with a 2-0 defeat.
With the World Cup looking to be his last appearance for the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo’s 100 caps landmark achieved at a global stage like the World Cup will only leave a lasting legacy and inspire other Super Eagles to attempt to break the record.
