Former Everton defender , Joseph Yobo has been appointed assistant coach of the Super Eagles.
Yobo who captained the Super Eagles from 2010-2013 will replace Imama Amapakabo.
A statement from NFF Communications Director Ademola Olajire described Yobo as “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.
“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”.
Since retirement Yobo has worked as television has pundit for South Africa-owned Supersport, a role that earned him accolades from Nigerians who hailed his knowledge of the game.
Reacting to the appointment, Yobo told ESPN that “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 knowledge 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.”
Yobo made 100 appearances for the Super Eagles. He played at three FIFA World Cup finals in 2002, 2010 and 2014. He won the 2013 African Nations Cup with the team.
