Saturday mornings are just different but let us get down to business
After over 101 appearances for the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo had a testimonial game yesterday in Port Harcourt to end his professional football career. Team Nigeria, coached by Shuaibu, had Enyeama, Emenike, Keita, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Ambrose, Joel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Kanu and the ageless Okocha. The later was a thorn to the flesh of Team World to the extent that Eto’o wanted him subbed off. Team World had Eto’o, Muntari, Appiah, Kingston coached by David Moyes.
Non-footballers also had their share of the testimonial. Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike missed a penalty to start the game. NFF vice president Shehu Dikko was in action with comedian AY coming on later on. The game ended 5-4 in favour of Team Nigeria with goals from Emenike (x3), Muntari, Eto’o and Yobo (×2) and Paw Paw.
Yobo has been in the Nigerian team since 2001 when he made his debut in an AFCON qualifier against Zambia. With 3 world cup appearance and 6 Nations Cup appearances, the former Everton defender played 101 times for the Super Eagles. His last game was the 2-0 defeat to France in the World Cup where he scored an unfortunate own goal. He was a member of the 1999 Flying Eagles and has a record of playing all 38 games for Everton in 2006/07 season. Lifting the 2013 AFCON trophy should be his best moment.
His playing career comes to an end. What next? coaching? Punditry? Scouting? We shall know in future. Thank You Joseph Yobo.
Away from the Testimonial, Kelechi Iheanacho came in as a 74th minute substitute to score what proved to be the winner in the 77th minute for Nigeria against Mali. The international friendly held in France had returnee Brown Ideye and was a debut for Musa Mohammed who plays in Turkey. Babatunde Micheal provided the assists to the goal. The 1-0 victory is Nigeria’s first in 5 games.
The Champions League final tonight rounds up the European footballing season. It is a Madrid Derby in Milan. Hopefully, Simeone gets his revenge over Real Madrid tonight. Will Ronaldo grab at least a goal? Can Atletico keep another clean sheet? The two teams need a trophy so badly. One will have to go trophy-less.
In Arsenal related matters, the change of numbers continued yesterday. Granit Xhaka took number 16 and Alex Iwobi left his heavy 45 for a lighter 17. Will there be more changes before the new season?
Time to choose my EUROS fantasy league team. What should I name the team?
Bonus: Jose Mourinho has joined Manchester United.
SoccerGunz 