Yobo tips Oliseh to succeed, wants Nigerians to support Super Eagles

Although he is no longer a player in the Super Eagles, former Nigerian captain, Joseph Yobo, still follows the national team religiously. Now based in the United States, Yobo, who has been monitoring recent events around the team, says the current dispensation will bode well for the country. But for the Eagles to make good their promise, he says Nigerians should support the team.

The former Everton of England star believes the Eagles can beat Tanzania in their second Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier this weekend in Dar es Salaam if Nigerians gave them the needed support. “When I broke into the national team, Oliseh was the captain. He was one of those who helped to put me through those early days.

His leadership qualities were outstanding. He was really charismatic. One key thing is that he is very passionate about the game. You remember when he was ill and defied doctors’ order to play and save Nigeria against Senegal in 2000? “It is that passion that will see him do well as the national team coach. One other thing is that he is so knowledgeable about the game. He has played football at the highest level with very reputable clubs.

There is a lot that the young boys will learn from him. I sincerely see him doing well with the team. He needs our support,” Yobo said. On Super Eagles game against Tanzania this weekend, Yobo says: “This first game is very important. I am happy that the NFF made provision for the team to depart with a chartered aircraft.

It was very painful that we did not qualify for the last AFCON. We have to put that behind us now and forge ahead. We have a new coach and he needs our support.”

Even if the result is not as palatable as Nigerians desire, Yobo says, “We have to be patient with him. If the team does not play as well as we want, we should also remember that this is a new coach. It will take a while for him to impart his philosophy on the players. It is a gradual process but I know he will surely do well.”