12th June, 2011
Thousands of fans raised their voices against Yakubu Aiyegbeni during the testimonial match in honour of Kanu Nwankwo on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
Although, the Eagles defeated friends of Kanu 3-1, but Yakubu became a subject of ridicule as the fans booed every step he took during the international match.
Celebrant of the day, Kanu opened scoring in the first half, while Ikechukwu Uche of Zaragoza of Spain increased the tally before the end of the first half.
Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, who plays for Real Madrid pulled one back few minutes later, but Ik Uche was on target again for the gov Babatunde Fashola-skippered side.
It was a day that Kanu had his last appearance for the Nigerian team, as the most decorated African player shed tears of joy during his last official match for Nigeria.
Some of the best stars from Europe paid tributes to the retiring player, Kanu.
Reacting to the jeers from the fans, Yakubu said he was surprised about the harsh behaviour of the fans, saying he did not see any reason for such treatment.
It would be recalled that Yakubu was a complete flop when he missed a goal described as the worst miss in football during Nigeria’s campaign at the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.
Kanu said: “I’m short of words to express how I feel, but I thank God that I’m alive to witness this day.”
By Adebobola Alawode