Yobo’s Testimonial : Team Nigeria Edges Team World in a 9-Goal ‘Thriller’

 (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Joseph Yobo , Super Eagles former captain finally hanged up his boots in style as his testimonial match was honoured by legends of the game at the Adokie Amiesamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt Friday night.

The biggest names in African football – Samuel Eto’o, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Lomana Lualua and Laryea Kingston were joined by Nigerian greats Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Mutiu Adepoju, Austin Eguavoen and Ben Iroha to celebrate the 101-cap Yobo.

A Team Nigeria, coached by the legendary Amodu Shaibu and Samson Siasia prevailed 5-4 on the night over a Team World led by Eto’o and coached by former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes, although conspicuously missing were Chelsea duo of John Terry and John Obi Mikel.

Yobo was presented with a commemorative trophy and a jersey marked ‘101’ by NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko before the game, and after a prolonged delay Team World swiftly fell behind to a brace from Emenike as Okocha stole the show in midfield.

Muntari and Eto’o would score for Team World, the Cameroonian striker embarrassing Enyeama which led to a comic chase.

Okocha had to be taken off due to the damage done to his side by the midfielder’s stunning skills, as the first half ended 4-3 with Yobo scoring just before the break.

Yobo switched sides at resumption as Kanu, comedian Ayo Makun (AY) and former goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu all came on.

One of the highpoints at the stadium was when pint-sized actor Osita Iheme (Paw paw) latched onto an Eto’o pass and shot past Shorunmu to make it 5-4, after Yobo had scored from the spot.