Yobo to Play in Nigerian League
Former Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo, has agreed to come out of retirement to feature in the concluded rounds of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season.
The League Management Company (LMC), which oversees the running of the Nigeria top-flight, met with representatives of Yobo and reached an understanding for the former Everton man to work with the league in an ambassadorial capacity while playing in the last 12 rounds of matches this term.
“Joseph Yobo to play last 12 #NPFL games this season as League Ambassador signed on by the LMC,” the league body announced on Tuesday.
Four clubs in the Nigerian top-tier, Akwa United, FC Ifeanyiubah, Kano Pillars and Wikki Tourists, have signified interests in having the former Nigeria defender in their team.
The Elite Player Scheme in the NPFL Framework and Rules allows a club in the top division to sign “a maximum of two players who in the opinion of the LMC will add value to the league” and Yobo fits the bill as the LMC already views him as an “ambassador” to help sell the image of the NPFL.
Two seasons ago, former Nigeria midfielder, Sani Kaita, signed for Enyimba under the same Elite Player Scheme while Victor Ezeji was forced out of retirement to play for Heartland last season.
The 35-year-old, only last month, called it quits from the sport in a testimonial match in Port Harcourt that paraded some of Africa’s biggest names like Austin Okocha, Samuel Eto’o and Nwankwo Kanu.
Yobo’s experience of playing in the country before his 17-year spell with clubs abroad, he played Port Harcourt modest outfit, Michellin.