Former Nigeria’s Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has joined others to hail the appointment of Joseph Yobo saying the former Everton player is an ideal choice to bring the Super Eagles players together.
Yobo was appointed as Gernot Rohr’s assistant on Wednesday, replacing Imama Amapakabo, but his managerial wherewithal has been questioned by many who see him as the wrong choice.
However, the Everton legend has a history in international football, captaining the country to their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, as well as being Nigeria’s joint most-capped player.
According to Adepoju, those factors will prove more relevant in the three-time African champions’ fold.
“Well, there is nothing bad in it. As we all know, Yobo served Nigeria so much and captained the Super Eagles. In this regard, I feel his appointment is justified,” he told Goal.
“I don’t know whether he has a coaching badge or not, but I think he can count on his experience as a player to excel in his new position.”
Yobo will be reunited with his former teammates Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo, and the ex-Real Madrid star has downplayed the fact that he might not command the duo’s respect.
“I don’t see that happening because I’ve seen players manage their former teammates, yet they succeeded,” Adepoju continued.
“He is not new to the team as he will be in the midst of some players who have played with him during his playing days.
“So the advantage here is that with his charisma, he will bring mutual cordiality and he will be accessible by members of Gernot Rohr’s squad.
“By and large, the NFF appointed him for reasons best known to them, so we should all rally round him to excel.”
Yobo will make his bow when Nigeria host Sierra Leone in March for Cameroon 2021’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
