The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the appointment of former Super Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo replacing Salisu Yusuf and Imama Amapakabo. The former was banned for accepting cash from undercover journalists posing as agents.
The 39-year-old AfCON winner said "I'm super excited about the opportunity," "It's not something I was expecting so it came as a bit of a surprise, but when the opportunity came I had to grab it. And that's what makes it so special because I wasn't chasing it.
"My mentality is super strong. What I will bring to the team is knowledgeable about the game, my experience as a player who played for over 10 years with the national team and led the team as captain. It is a huge honour to be given this opportunity and I hope I can help the players with an even better appreciation of what it means to represent the country."
The former Everton defender who becomes the second player to feature in 38 EPL games for the Toffees, won 100 caps for Nigeria, amongst his achievements, won the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and reached the Round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. So far the veteran has featured in three World Cups (2002, 2010 and 2014) and has played in six Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Although neutrals see this as a surprise appointment as he does not have any coaching experience but the NFF thus believe he will perform.
"a thoroughbred and dedicated professional who played his club football in five countries, including sterling appearances for Olympique Marseille in the French top flight, Fenerbahce in Turkey and Everton FC in the English Premiership. - NFF
"Joseph Yobo scored several crucial goals for the Super Eagles in important qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. He was also among the scorers when the Eagles thrashed South Africa's Bafana Bafana 4-0 in a group phase match in Tunisia 16 years ago."
