Former Super Eagles’ captain, Joseph Yobo, has revealed the secret behind his success as the most capped Nigerian footballer of all time, perception about the present team captain, John Obi Mikel, his prediction ahead the forthcoming AFCON, among other things.
He made the revelation in an interview with Saturday Sun. Excerpts;
Can you brief us about your up bringing?
My up bringing has been fantastic. On September 6,1980, I was born in Kono, Rivers State, a community in the Khana area of the state. It was there I started playing street football. As a young lad, I never knew I will make it this big, but I thank God for where I am today. If I keep revealing how I grew up, we will remain here till further notice, because my childhood story is a very long one. I passed through what other Nigerians passed through and my up bringing was challenging.
You made your Super Eagles debut at age 18 despite going through a lot of challenges, how did you achieved that?
Although as a footballer, I had the belief I will one day represent my fatherland. But I never see myself staying so long in the team, not to talk of becoming the most capped Super Eagles’ player. Well, I believe hard work remains the secret to success. I started having hope, when I featured for the U-20 national team in 1999. The tournament was hosted in Nigeria. I proved my worth to the whole world and I think that drew the attention of the then Super Eagles’ coach. I see myself as a lucky person because that tournament produced many soccer stars, whose names are still relevant in the world of football.
As an ex captain and most capped Super Eagles player, what did you always do before stepping on the field of play?
Sincerely speaking, the only thing I take is my best food, which is rice and plantain. After this, I go on my knee and pray ahead of the game. You know as a captain, you are the key man on the field of play. If you win, you take the glory and if you lose, you receive the opposite. So this are the things I do before stepping out to represent my fatherland. I can boldly say that is the secret behind my success as the most capped Nigeria national team footballer.
Do you think the present Super Eagles team will excel in the forthcoming AFCON in Egypt?
Well as for me, it’s too early to decide. But looking at the team’s excellent performances during the qualifying series, I think they are good to go. The team has really been doing well, I mean one must give it to a team that came from behind to top the qualifying group. It shows the team spirit is high.
The boys are willing to play and beat previous record. It will sound good if we return to AFCON with the aim of winning the trophy. If am not mistaken, I think we missed the last two editions of the tournament. AFCON has never been a soft tournament. It’s pure Africa game, which deals with the survival of the fittest. But I’m very confident the team will prove its worth in Egypt.
Your successor, John Obi Mikel has not featured for the Super Eagles since Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Do you think he deserves a call up ahead of the 2019 AFCON?
Well, the coach has the final say on that. As for me, I think Mikel’s experience is still vital for the team. No doubt he remains the most experienced player in the present Super Eagles squad. Aside that, he has derived a lot of respect from the younger ones.
I think he should be included in coach Gernot Rohr’s plan for the forthcoming AFCON. Although it’s been a while he featured for the team, but I think with his experience, the Super Eagles can regain their fear factor. As for me,
I am happy he left China for England and with that, I think he is in right shape to keep his captaincy and remain the key man of the team. And if he wishes to keep selecting games, its good for him because he is ageing and I think he knows what is good for him. If he says he is tired of playing for Nigeria, then I think the coach should let him be.