Nigeria skipper Joseph Yobo has said it was a dream come true to
crown his last AFCON with his first international trophy.
Yobo made his AFCON debut in 2002, where the Eagles finished third in Mali. He also featured in the competition in 2004, 2006 (third place medal), 2008 (quarterfinal) and 2010 (third place).
The 32-year-old Yobo had a limited game time at the Nations Cup in South Africa after he lost his first-team place to youngster Kenneth Omeruo.
“This is a dream come true. I have been around for 11, 12 years. This was my sixth AFCON and I have said this would be my last. Not because I can no longer play anymore, but I have given my international career a lot of time,” Yobo, who holds the record international appearance for Nigeria with 94 caps.
“I’m short of words because this is a massive achievement in my national team career.
“I’m very delighted. I feel so blessed. I’m so grateful to God for answering my prayers.”
Yobo has attributed Nigeria’s long-awaited triumph to the stronger unity in the squad.
“Unity has not been that strong in the previous squads but it is a lot stronger in this squad,” he said.
Coach Stephen Keshi, who has been under pressure to win in South Africa, has dedicated the victory to local coaches in Africa.
Brazilian Otto Gloria and Dutchman Clemens Westerhof led Nigeria to win their first two Nations Cups in 1980 and 1994, respectively.
Yobo made his AFCON debut in 2002, where the Eagles finished third in Mali. He also featured in the competition in 2004, 2006 (third place medal), 2008 (quarterfinal) and 2010 (third place).
The 32-year-old Yobo had a limited game time at the Nations Cup in South Africa after he lost his first-team place to youngster Kenneth Omeruo.
“This is a dream come true. I have been around for 11, 12 years. This was my sixth AFCON and I have said this would be my last. Not because I can no longer play anymore, but I have given my international career a lot of time,” Yobo, who holds the record international appearance for Nigeria with 94 caps.
“I’m short of words because this is a massive achievement in my national team career.
“I’m very delighted. I feel so blessed. I’m so grateful to God for answering my prayers.”
Yobo has attributed Nigeria’s long-awaited triumph to the stronger unity in the squad.
“Unity has not been that strong in the previous squads but it is a lot stronger in this squad,” he said.
Coach Stephen Keshi, who has been under pressure to win in South Africa, has dedicated the victory to local coaches in Africa.
Brazilian Otto Gloria and Dutchman Clemens Westerhof led Nigeria to win their first two Nations Cups in 1980 and 1994, respectively.
source: mtnfootball.com
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