Joseph Phillip Yobo finally took a bow from professional football as he announced his retirement. He intends to call a time out on his international career and focus his attention on his family.
The 33 year old Nigerian National Team Captain made a 100 recorded appearance for the Super Eagles and his last appearance was their game against France. They lost to France on a 2-0 finish after Yobo made an own goal adding another point to the French Team.
Yobo told news reporters "It was a bittersweet moment for me but I think it is time to focus on my family." He continued "It has been a long road."
Yobo left Nigeria to join the team Standard Liège in 1998. After two years, he made his team debut and was able to appear 46 times alongside the team. It was in 2001 when Marseille bought him for their team.
He started playing for the Super Eagles in 2001 but became a mainstay player in 2002. He joined the team during the 2002 World Cup held in Japan and South Korea. He has already been to three World Cups. He also headed the Nigerian Team to African Cup of Nations last year and was able to grab the championship title.
According to the 33 year old team captain, "We've won the African Nations Cup and we came here and were not disgraced." He continued "I never thought that I'd be here because I missed the last six games of the season through injury. They gave me an opportunity but it is unfortunate what happened. I gave my all."
With regards to him leaving the Nigerian Team, he says that he is leaving them in good hands in the name of defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona.
He believes that both Nigerian players can still grow and become better saying "Omeruo has done very well. Oboabona was injured but he got his chance at the Nations Cup. They're going to get better, the experience is going to come and one of them has to take the responsibility and be a leader."
How will Joseph Yobo retirement affect the performance of the team? We will soon find out when the Super Eagles will play again in their next international competition.
