Yobo: I Will Give Eagles Job My Everything
Newly appointed Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo, 39, has promised to give all necessary support to Head Coach Gernot Rohr to ensure that Nigeria qualified for both the AFCON 2021 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The former captain of the Nigerian senior national team told THISDAY yesterday that inasmuch as he cherished getting the chance to be in Eagles technical crew, the buck stops on Rohr’s table.
“I have just been appointed an assistant coach in the team. The final decision on the team rests with Mr Rohr. Mine is to give helping hand and offer suggestions on issues that may have escaped the manager. It is a support service and I am going to do my best to ensure that we achieve a common goal for Nigeria.
With over 100 national caps, (three World Cup appearances and six Nations Cup duties for Nigeria), Yobo knows that the task ahead of the coaching crew is certainly not a stroll in the park.
“We have two tough assignments ahead of us which is to qualify for both AFCON 2021 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,” observed the former Everton of England defender.
Yobo who is the first Nigerian player to hit the 100 appearances mark at the senior level, confided in THISDAY that playing at the highest level for both country and club has prepared him for the role he has stepped into in the Super Eagles.
“Having played under some of the best coaches in Europe and at the national team, I know what is expected of me. I am doing some programme related to this role,” was Yobo’s response to those having the fears that without a formal coaching certification he’s not likely to make impact on the job.
He said by next week, he was going to meet with the federation officials as well as have a meeting with Rohr to know his immediate role.
“I have been going through a programme. When I am less busy with national assignment, I have the ample time to continue the programme involving some of the big clubs that I have played for in Europe.,” stressed the Rivers State born ex international without revealing the coaching programme he is undergoing.
The attack –minded defender also played in six Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013, capping it with leading the Super Eagles to their third continental title in South Africa in 2013 under the watch of another former captain of the team, late Stephen Keshi.
A thoroughbred and dedicated professional who played his club football in five countries, including sterling appearances for Olympique Marseille in the French top flight, Fenerbahce in Turkey and Everton FC in the English Premiership, Joseph Yobo scored several crucial goals for the Super Eagles in important qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.