Image: theguardian.com
Joseph Yobo, a retired Nigerian pro footballer, used to play as a centre-back for some of the top teams in Europe.
Born on September 6, 1980 in Rivers State, Nigeria, Yobo had an illustrious career both as a pro player in for Everton and for his national team, where he hold the record for most games played for Nigeria.
He retired from the national team after captaining them to the World Cup in 2014, Brazil. A testimonial match in his honor will be played on May 27, this year in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Below are some interesting facts about the defender.
He’s the most capped Nigerian footballer: He holds the record for the most matches played for the Nigerian national team, with 100 caps. Yobo set the record when Super Eagles played against France in the World Cup Round of 16 clash on June 30, 2014. The tournament was held in Brazil.
He was the first signing for David Moyes: The Nigerian defender was the first singing made by David Moyes when he became manager on March 14, 2002. He was signed on July 9, before the start of the 2002-2003 season. Moyes signed him after superb performances for the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
He was the first African to ever captain Everton: In 2007, Yobo captained his club in the UEFA Cup match against Larissa from Greece. The match was played at Goodison Park. This was after regular skipper; Phil Neville was ruled out of the match.
He won the PFA Fan’s Player of the Month in November 2013: He won the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) Fan’s Player of the Month, in November 2013. This was after a string of great performances at the heart of Everton defense when the club went unbeaten and did not concede a goal in six consecutive matches.
He played every minute of the match during the 2006-7 season: In the 2006-07 season, Yobo played in every minute of the club’s matches in the entire season. He started all matches and was never substituted throughout the season.
He ended his career with a defeat to France: Yobo announced his retirement from the national team after they were bundled out of the 2014 World Cup by France in the Round of 16. They lost 2-0. It a particularly sad note for him after he scored an own goal in that match.
He hails from a footballing family: His elder brother, Albert Yobo was also a footballer who played as a defender. He played for several European clubs and also the Nigerian national team.
He married the most beautiful girl in Nigeria: His wife Adaeze Chinenye Igwe is a former model. She won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria title in 2008. She also represented Nigeria in the Miss World Beauty pageant in the same year in South Africa.
His favorite dish and hobbies: His favorite food is fried rice and chicken. He also likes to listen to music or play tennis when not training or playing a football match.
