Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo on Friday in Port Harcourt pledged his continued support for the national team, as he dedicated his football career to God.
Yobo said this during an interview with sports writers shortly after his testimonial match, which Team Nigeria won 5-4 against Team World 5-4 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
“It only takes the grace of God to attain what Joseph Yobo has done. Six African Nations Cup, three World Cups, and I think that says it all.
“When I was fit, I always played. I am very thankful to God. I don’t know how I did it. Yes, it was 101 caps, but I don’t know how I did it,” he said.
Yobo however said he would continue to support the Super Eagles and urged the team to believe in itself.
“The team should believe in itself, regardless of the setbacks. The players should believe that they can always still do it. I had my setbacks and I still bounced back,’’ he said.
The former player of Everton FC of England urged Nigerians all over not to relent in supporting the Eagles.
“This is because we have only one national team and I am very proud of the national team,” he said.
Yobo commended all his friends who came for the match, especially his coach at Everton FC, David Moyes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike scored a hat-trick for Team Nigeria, hitting the net in the 13th, 18th and 28th minutes.
Joel Obi and Yobo scored the team’s other goals in the 15th and 43rd minutes.
Former Black Stars striker Sulley Muntari scored for Team World in the 14th minute, while former Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o scored in the 16th and 23rd minutes.
Nollywood actor Osita Iheme, alias Paw-Paw, scored the fourth goal for Team World in the 54th minute.
Waidi Akanni, Chairman of the match’s Organising Committee, said the game was a success because notable international stars honoured it.
He said the match lived up to expectation because the players gave a good account of themselves.
Former Eagles captain Austin Okocha entertained fans with dribbling skills and accurate passes which kept the spectators thrilled.
Team Nigeria was coached by Samson Siasia while David Moyes coached Team World.