John Okoro
Ex-Super Eagles star Joseph Yobo has opened up about how failing to secure a spot in the 2006 World Cup left a lasting scar on the players’ professional journeys.
The ex-Everton defender shared his frustration over Nigeria’s inability to make it to the global football stage that year.
Yobo made these remarks while discussing the hurdles currently facing the Super Eagles team.
With the Super Eagles now struggling in their quest for a 2026 World Cup berth, sitting in third place in Group C of the African qualifiers, the pressure is mounting.
Speaking to Brila FM, Yobo said, “It’s a terrible feeling, and I can relate because we faced a similar situation during my playing days.”
“We were a talented, youthful squad, and not making it to the 2006 World Cup had a ripple effect on our careers,” he added.
Yobo represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.
However, his aspirations to compete in the 2006 edition were crushed when the Super Eagles failed to qualify.
“After the 2002 World Cup, we were building momentum, and qualifying for 2006 could have propelled many of us to greater opportunities. Missing out was a major blow,” he explained.
Nigeria is set to face Lesotho on Friday in a crucial qualifier, followed by a showdown with Benin Republic on Tuesday.
Omotayo Fashola
