Yobo poised to ‘bring back motivation’ to Eagles as former captain, fan & pundit

Super Eagles assistant coach, Joseph Yobo has expressed his readiness to give his best to the team by bringing in his experience as a former captain, fan and pundit.

The star defender had captained the men’s national team and even won the 2013 AFCON before going on to work as a pundit with Supersports.

Yobo was in February appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as a replacement for Imma Amapakabo in Gernot Rohr’s coaching crew.

The 40-year-old was billed to work with team during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March, but the games were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Yobo is however optimistic that when he finally reunites with the team, he would bring back the motivation that the national team is known for, as he had been a part of it.

“I am bringing back that motivation,” said Yobo in an Instagram Live with ESPN journalist, Collin Udoh.

Read Also: How Babayaro reacted to Yobo’s appointment as Super Eagles assistant coach

“As a former captain, I’m bringing inspiration. I’ve been there and I’ve done it all.

“I was a fan of the team before I became an assistant coach, so I’ve seen from a fanatical point of view how people feel when they are watching the team.

“We as players, while playing, don’t notice these things but after my retirement,

“I’ve been a pundit, I’ve given my opinion about what should be done in the team.”

Yobo had a good career at club and country level for about 15 years, making sterling appearances for Olympique Marseille, Fenerbahce and Everton during his club days, and was a member of the Nigerian squads at AFCON 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013.

He added: “I’m bringing in my experience. Having over 15 years of consistency in my career, I think that is a lot. The good thing is that the spirit is going to improve.

“Having been a pundit and looking at this team, I think we can go a lot higher with the quality we have.”

The Super Eagles are top of their 2021 AFCON qualifying group, having won their first two matches.

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