Yobo Out Of Mexico Tie

Joseph Yobo

Ex-Super Eagles' Skipper, Joseph Yobo

Returnee Super Eagles’ skipper, Joseph Yobo, has been ruled out of the international friendly match between Nigeria and Mexico slated for Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

Both teams will be using the tie, which will be played 8 p.m local time and 2 a.m Nigerian time, as a rehearsal ahead of their campaign in Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in June. However, Yobo, as expected, is supposed to use the friendly match to make a bold statement as he returns to the Eagles after the South Africa 2013 African Cup of Nations, AFCON. Sadly enough, the on-loan defender picked an injury during Norwich’s Premier League match at the weekend. The former Everton FC of England star’s absence in the Mexico match was confirmed by the Media Officer of the Eagles, Benjamin Alaiya early today from the Atlanta Georgia camp of the team.

Alaiya disclosed that Fortuna Düsseldorf of Germany defender, Leon Balogun, who will be earning his first call up to the Nigerian team had arrived camp to replace injured Yobo.

According to Alaiya, “Yobo has been ruled out of the friendly match. He has informed the technical crew of his absence and a replacement, Nigerian born Leon Balogun, who plies his trade in Germany has arrived camp. I must confess to you that Balogun is already with us here in America and he s getting on well with the rest of the team.’’

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Alaiya went ahead to dispel rumours making the round that Belgian Pro League club Standard Liege’s Imoh Ezekiel will not feature in the tie. He hinted that Ezekiel is already in camp and raring to play for the senior national team.

Meanwhile, feelers from the team’s camp has it that Caykur Rizespor of Turkey’ defender, Godfrey Oboabona, may also not feature in the tie as he has hitches with his travelling arrangement from his base to the venue of the game.

Lazio of Italy player, Ogenyi Onazi has described the match against Mexico as a good tie that will prepare the Eagles for the World Cup. He said that the players are in the right frame of mind going into the clash, adding that the Eagles will not disappoint the country.

History will be made in the friendly match as the ticket sales for the game surpassed 54,000, guaranteeing the match will set a record for the largest soccer crowd in the history of Atlanta. The previous record of 54,229 tickets sold was set during last year’s Gold Cup, which also featured Mexico at the Dome.

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