The Nigeria Football Federation has moved to clarify minor discrepancies concerning numbers of appearances made by Joseph Yobo.
NFF Media Director Ademola Olajire has confirmed that the Super Eagles skipper Yobo, 33, only earned his record 98 caps in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bosnia-Hercegovina and not 99 as was earlier thought.
“The official figure we have for Yobo is 96 caps after the USA friendly in Jacksonville,” Olajire told KickOffNigeria.com.
“He has now added two more at World Cup.
“He did not play in the game against Lesotho in Warri in 2007, which has been included in his appearances.”
Olajire attributes the player’s longevity to his commitment to national duty, adding he is a good example to follow.
“It is not easy to get to this mark, and it is a sign of his consistent commitment that he is where he is now.”
This means the Fenerbahce of Turkey defender is now a couple of games shy of reaching his century and it is yet unclear whether he would get one against Argentina in his side’s final World Cup Group F game on Wednesday, owing to the return to fitness of Godfrey Oboabona.
However, Yobo is indifferent about racking up 100 appearances with the national team.
“It’s good news that I will reach that milestone but what is upermost in my mind is for the team to wins to advance to the next stage. The rest will be bonus,” said Yobo.
