11th February, 2013
Nigeria’s captain Joseph Yobo is a happy man today that he has finally won a trophy with the Super Eagles after six attempts at the African title as Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in Johannesburg on Sunday.
It was Yobo’s sixth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations where he had previously won three bronze medals.
Even though he played a fringe part in the team this time around, coming on as substitute late in matches, Yobo lifted the trophy for his countrymen.
“This is a massive achievement for my career,” said Yobo. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been around for 12 years; this is my sixth Nations Cup appearance.
“I said it earlier that it was going to be my last AFCON because I can’t play anymore, but because it’s time to give my place to someone else. I thank God for giving me this victory in my final appearance. I think I can now retire from the Nations Cup with happiness.
“I was praying to God before coming to this tournament that it’s going to be my last and hopefully I’m going to win it and God gave me. I’m very delighted. I feel so blessed,” said Yobo.
Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi remained humble on Sunday after his team won the Nations Cup.
Sunday Mba’s 40th minute goal was all that separated both teams.
Keshi who took over the team after they failed to qualify for the 2012 edition of the tournament told the media that he is proud of the squad but that more needs to be done to make the side a great team.
“We’re not there yet,” said Keshi at press conference. “My plan was to build a good team for Nigeria when I came on board almost a year and half ago.
“Now we are on the path to building a great side.”
Keshi is the second person to win the trophy as player and coach. He captained Nigeria to the AFCON title in 1994.
Throughout the tournament he’s flown the flag for African coaches and said that local coaches must be given the chance to build teams by federations instead of being hounded out and replaced by European coaches.
Nigeria will now represent Africa in the Confederations Cup later in the year.