Joseph Yobo: Difference between revisions

Joseph Yobo
	Yobo playing for Fenerbahçe in 2012
Personal information
Full name	Joseph Phillip Yobo
Date of birth	6 September 1980 (age 43)
Place of birth	Kono, Rivers State, Nigeria
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
1996–1997	Michellin-Harcourt
1997–1998	Standard Liège
Senior career*
Years	Team
1998–2001	Standard Liège
2001–2003	Marseille
2002–2003	→ Everton (loan)
2003–2012	Everton
2010–2012	→ Fenerbahçe (loan)
2012–2014	Fenerbahçe
2014	→ Norwich City (loan)
Total
International career
2001–2014	Nigeria
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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Joseph Phillip Yobo (born 6 September 1980) is a former Nigerian professional footballer who played as a centre back. He was the captain of the Nigerian national team until his international football retirement in June 2014, and he is Nigeria's record appearance holder.

Early years

Yobo's birthplace is Kono, a community in the Khana area of Rivers State, Nigeria.^[4]

Yobo left Nigeria to join Standard Liège in 1998. He made his first team debut in 2000, and went on to appear 46 times. In 2001, he was bought by Marseille.^[5]

Club career

Everton

Soon after making his debut, Yobo was loaned to Tenerife. After around nine months, Yobo returned to Marseille, before joining Everton, again on loan, in July 2002. A £1 million fee was required to register the player, and he became the first signing of David Moyes.^[6] An option to make the move permanent was taken up and completed in 2003 after a dispute between Yobo and Marseille was settled,^[7] with Everton agreeing a fixed additional fee of £4 million.^[2]^[8]

Yobo became one of the most consistent players in the Everton squad, and was one of only seven players in the entire league to play every minute of every game throughout the 2006–07 season; his teammate Joleon Lescott also being an ever-present throughout the season.

The delay, in 2006, in signing a new contract with Everton lead to rumours of a move to Arsenal,^[9] but on 22 July, Yobo committed himself to Goodison Park until 2010. On 15 April 2007, Yobo became the record appearance holder for an overseas player at Everton, a record he held until early 2012.^[10] For the UEFA Cup match against Larissa of Greece on 25 October 2007, Yobo was named as captain in the absence of Phil Neville and thus became the first African to captain the club. On 6 May 2009, Yobo scored his first goal of the season against West Ham United to seal a 3–1 win.

In the 2009–10 season, Yobo had to adjust to his new defensive partner, Sylvain Distin, after Joleon Lescott left and Phil Jagielka became injured. On 29 November 2009, he scored an own goal in Everton's 2–0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Distin, Jagielka and John Heitinga were increasingly selected over Yobo, confining him to the bench.

Fenerbahçe

On 31 August 2010, Yobo signed a one-year loan contract with Fenerbahçe. Yobo played in 30 official matches and scored a goal, helping his team win the league title. On 6 September 2011, Fenerbahçe and Everton agreed on another loan deal for €700,000 and Yobo signed a one-year contract worth €2.35 million.^[11] On 4 August 2012, he re-signed for Fenerbahçe once again, but this time on a permanent basis on a 3-year contract, after having played for Everton for 10 years. On 17 August Fenerbahçe played against Torku Konyaspor and Yobo scored a goal in this match.^[12] Before the 2014-2015 season his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated with mutual agreement.^[13] On 31 August 2014 was awarded with the plaque of appreciation and have been released from Fenerbahçe.^[14]

Norwich City

On 30 January 2014, Yobo returned to England on loan at Norwich City for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer.^[15]

He marked his debut for the club with a clean sheet against top-scoring club Manchester City on 8 February.^[16]

International career

Yobo is a former Nigeria international, who has been capped 101 times and represented the Super Eagles at three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.^[17]

After participating in Nigeria's run to the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship quarter-finals, Yobo made his senior international debut against Zambia in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier on 24 March 2001.^[17] He played in all six of the team's matches in the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations^[18] and was included in the squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he was again ever-present,^[18] assisting Julius Aghahowa's goal in a 2–1 loss to Sweden.^[19]

Yobo made his second World Cup appearance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, after which he assumed the captaincy on the international retirement of Nwankwo Kanu.^[17] The veteran defender was no longer a first choice player at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but lifted the trophy after appearing as an 89th-minute substitute in Nigeria's 1–0 final defeat of Burkina Faso.^[20]

In June 2014, Yobo was included in Stephen Keshi's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.^[21] He was named in the starting line-up for both the second and third group matches, helping the Super Eagles to clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.^[22] On 30 June, he made his 100th international appearance, captaining Nigeria against France in the round of 16. After scoring an own goal in the 2–0 defeat, Yobo announced his international retirement, saying: "This is it. I can look back on my career with great pride. I wanted to leave on a high for my country. Defeat by France was not the right way to go but I'm happy with all I've done for the national team. It's time to give a chance to other people to come through."^[23]

Personal life

In 2010, following a brief courtship, Yobo married former MBGN Adaeze Igwe in a midnight ceremony held in Jos. The couple wedded in a very low key ceremony barely three months after they met in December 2009.^[24] However, it is known that they are said to be trying to hide their marital troubles from the press and general public.^[25] The couple welcomed a baby boy named Joey Yobo April 2010.

He is the younger brother of former Nigeria international Albert Yobo. In July 2008, his younger brother Norum^[26] was kidnapped in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and held for ransom. He was eventually released after 12 days on 17 July 2008.^[27]

It was widely reported in the Nigerian media that Yobo went to T.B. Joshua for prayers after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.^[28] Joseph Yobo and his wife, Adaeze Igwe were conferred with chieftaincy titles of Mene Aborlo 1 and Waamene Aborlo 1 respectively of Ogoniland by King GNK Gininwa of Ogoni Kingdom on Saturday, 28 May 2016. This was a day after his testimonial match marking his exit from active football was organised by the Rivers State Government on Friday, 27 May 2016

Charity work

In 2007, Yobo set up the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation,^[29] to help under-privileged children in Nigeria. As of 18 July 2007, he has handed out over 300 scholarship awards ranging from primary to university level. Yobo has started a football academy in the Ogoni region of Nigeria. He also runs football camps in Lagos.

Career statistics

As of 16 June 2014.^[30]^[31]

Club performance			League		Cup		League Cup		Continental		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Belgium			League		Belgian Cup		League Cup		Europe		Total
2000–01	Standard Liège	Jupiler League	30	2	–		–		–		30	2
France			League		Coupe de France		Coupe de la Ligue		Europe		Total
2001–02	Olympique Marseille	Ligue 1	23	0	–		–		–		23	0
England			League		FA Cup		Carling Cup		Europe		Total
2002–03	Everton	Premier League	24	0	–		2	0	–		26	0
2003–04			28	2	1	0	2	0	–		31	2
2004–05			27	0	3	0	3	0	–		33	0
2005–06			29	1	–		1	0	4	1	34	2
2006–07			38	2	1	0	1	0	–		40	2
2007–08			30	1	–		2	0	7	0	39	1
2008–09			27	1	–		1	0	2	0	33	1
2009–10			17	1	–		0	0	6	1	23	2
2013–14	Norwich City	Premier League	8	0	–		0	0	0	0	8	0
Turkey			League		Türkiye Kupası		League Cup		Europe		Total
2010–11	Fenerbahçe	Super Lig	30	1	3	0	–		–		33	1
2011–12			39	1	3	0	–		–		42	1
2012–13			20	0	2	0	0	0	12	0	34	0
2013–14			1	1	1	0	–		3	0	5	1
Total	Belgium		30	2	–		–		–		30	2
	France		23	0	–		–		–		23	0
	England		228	8	5	0	12	0	19	2	267	10
	Turkey		90	3	9	0	0	0	15	0	114	3
Career total			371	13	14	0	12	0	34	2	434	15

^[32]

Nigeria national team
Year	Apps	Goals
2001	7	0
2002	12	0
2003	3	1
2004	10	2
2005	6	0
2006	8	0
2007	4	0
2008	10	2
2009	5	0
2010	10	0
2011	11	2
2012	2	0
2013	6	0
2014	6	0
Total	101	7^[33]

International goals

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	1 June 2003	Lagos National Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria	Cameroon	1–0	3–0	Friendly
2.	31 January 2004	Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet, Monastir, Tunisia	South Africa	1–0	4–0	2004 African Cup of Nations
3.	3 July 2004	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Algeria	1–0	1–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
4.	7 June 2008	National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone	Sierra Leone	0–1	0–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5.	15 June 2008	Nuevo Estadio de Malabo, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea	Equatorial Guinea	0–1	0–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
6.	5 June 2011	Addis Ababa Stadium, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia	Ethiopia	2–2	2–2	2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
7.	4 September 2011	Mahamasina Stadium, Antananarivo, Madagascar	Madagascar	0–1	0–2	2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
Correct as of 4 September 2011

Honours

Club

Fenerbahce

Turkish Süper Lig (1): 2010–11
Turkish Cup (2): 2011–12-2012-13

International

Nigeria

Africa Cup of Nations (1): 2013

Individual

CAF Awards – voted in best African XI for 2007–08 season^[34]

References

^ ^a ^b Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 448. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
^ ^a ^b Jackson, Jamie (7 September 2003). "Yobo in power play". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ http://eaglecity.blogspot.com/2014/06/joseph-yobo-questions-and-yet-four.html?spref=tw
^ "Hon. Worgu Boms". BBC. 18 July 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
^ "European Preview: Belgium Transfers". BBC Sport. 15 August 2001. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Everton complete Yobo chase". BBC Sport. 9 July 2002. Archived from the original on 12 December 2003. Retrieved 20 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Joseph Yobo – Everton F.C. Player Profile".
^ Fifield, Dominic (28 November 2002). "Everton close in on Yobo's signature". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Everton face Yobo contract delay". BBC Sport. 3 April 2006. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Joseph Yobo on NigeriaNews Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
^ "Everton kulübü oyuncusu Joseph YOBO nun 2011–2012 sezonunda kiralık olarak transferi konusunda oyuncu ve kulübü ile anlaşmaya varılmıştır. Anlaşma karşılığında Everton Kulübüne 700.000.avro kiralama bedeli, Joseph YOBO ya ise 2011–2012 sezonu için 2.350.000.avro garanti ücret ödenecektir". Fenerbahçe SK (in Turkish). Turkish Public Disclosure System (KAP). 6 September 2011.
^ Husmukh Kerai (4 August 2012). "Joseph Yobo completes move from Everton to Fenerbahçe". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Yobo da gitti". NTV Spor. 29 August 2014. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Phillip Eta (31 August 2014). "Fenerbahce release Joseph Yobo". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Oluwashina Okeleji (30 January 2014). "Transfer window 2014: Norwich City sign Joseph Yobo on loan". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Barclays Premier League: Norwich City 0-0 Manchester City". BBC Sport. 8 February 2014. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c "Joseph Yobo". FIFA. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Joseph Phillip Yobo - International Appearances". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 23 November 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Swedes knock out Nigeria". BBC Sport. 7 June 2002. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Africa Cup of Nations final as it happened". BBC Sport. 10 February 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Oluwashina Okeleji (3 June 2014). "World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce". BBC Sport. 22 June 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Keshi steps down, Yobo retires". FIFA. 1 July 2014. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Joseph Yobo’s Complicated Family Life of www.collegemarket.com.ng (21 of July, 2013
^ Yobo weds Igwe
^ "Everton offer Yobo assistance".^{[permanent dead link]}
^ "Yobo's Brother Released". Kick Off. 19 March 2008. Archived from the original on 27 December 2010. Retrieved 13 April 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Auf der Heyde, Peter (27 January 2010). "Sports Medicine – African Style". Monsters and Critics. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation Archived 4 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine
^ "Joseph Yobo : Biography".
^ Joseph Yobo at Soccerbase
^ Joseph Yobo at National-Football-Teams.com
^ Kunle Solaja (6 April 2011). "Yobo's caps: putting the records straight". SuperSport. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Egypt dominates glo-caf awards". CAFonline.com.

External links

Joseph Yobo Foundation Charity founded by Joseph Yobo
BBC Coverage of Joseph Yobo Foundation
International appearances
Premier League profile
Joseph Yobo – UEFA competition record (archive)
Joseph Yobo – FIFA competition record (archived)

Sporting positions
Preceded by Kanu	Nigeria national football team captain 2010–2013	Succeeded by Vincent Enyeama

[Hugman2010-11_448-1] Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 448. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.

[guardian_interview-2] Jackson, Jamie (7 September 2003). "Yobo in power play". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[3] ttp://eaglecity.blogspot.com/2014/06/joseph-yobo-questions-and-yet-four.html?spref=tw

[kono-4] "Hon. Worgu Boms". BBC. 18 July 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2015.

[5] "European Preview: Belgium Transfers". BBC Sport. 15 August 2001. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[bbc_2002-6] "Everton complete Yobo chase". BBC Sport. 9 July 2002. Archived from the original on 12 December 2003. Retrieved 20 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[everton_profile-7] "Joseph Yobo – Everton F.C. Player Profile".

[8] Fifield, Dominic (28 November 2002). "Everton close in on Yobo's signature". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[9] "Everton face Yobo contract delay". BBC Sport. 3 April 2006. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[10] Joseph Yobo on NigeriaNews Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine

[11] "Everton kulübü oyuncusu Joseph YOBO nun 2011–2012 sezonunda kiralık olarak transferi konusunda oyuncu ve kulübü ile anlaşmaya varılmıştır. Anlaşma karşılığında Everton Kulübüne 700.000.avro kiralama bedeli, Joseph YOBO ya ise 2011–2012 sezonu için 2.350.000.avro garanti ücret ödenecektir". Fenerbahçe SK (in Turkish). Turkish Public Disclosure System (KAP). 6 September 2011.

[12] Husmukh Kerai (4 August 2012). "Joseph Yobo completes move from Everton to Fenerbahçe". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[13] "Yobo da gitti". NTV Spor. 29 August 2014. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[14] Phillip Eta (31 August 2014). "Fenerbahce release Joseph Yobo". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[15] Oluwashina Okeleji (30 January 2014). "Transfer window 2014: Norwich City sign Joseph Yobo on loan". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[16] "Barclays Premier League: Norwich City 0-0 Manchester City". BBC Sport. 8 February 2014. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[fifa-17] "Joseph Yobo". FIFA. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[rsssf-18] "Joseph Phillip Yobo - International Appearances". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 23 November 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[19] "Swedes knock out Nigeria". BBC Sport. 7 June 2002. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[20] "Africa Cup of Nations final as it happened". BBC Sport. 10 February 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[21] Oluwashina Okeleji (3 June 2014). "World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[22] "Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce". BBC Sport. 22 June 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[23] "Keshi steps down, Yobo retires". FIFA. 1 July 2014. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[24] Joseph Yobo’s Complicated Family Life of www.collegemarket.com.ng (21 of July, 2013

[25] Yobo weds Igwe

[26] "Everton offer Yobo assistance".^{[permanent dead link]}

[27] "Yobo's Brother Released". Kick Off. 19 March 2008. Archived from the original on 27 December 2010. Retrieved 13 April 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[28] Auf der Heyde, Peter (27 January 2010). "Sports Medicine – African Style". Monsters and Critics. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[29] Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation Archived 4 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine

[30] "Joseph Yobo : Biography".

[31] Joseph Yobo at Soccerbase

[32] Joseph Yobo at National-Football-Teams.com

[33] Kunle Solaja (6 April 2011). "Yobo's caps: putting the records straight". SuperSport. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[34] "Egypt dominates glo-caf awards". CAFonline.com.

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@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 |birth_place = [[Kono, Rivers|Kono]], [[Rivers State]], Nigeria
 |height              = {{convert|1.88|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="guardian_interview">{{cite news
-|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/sep/07/sport.comment2|title=Yobo in power play |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=7 September 2003|accessdate=19 September 2008|location=London|first=Jamie|last= Jackson|archivedate=22 July 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140722204431/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/sep/07/sport.comment2|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+ |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/sep/07/sport.comment2
+ |title=Yobo in power play
+ |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]
+ |date=7 September 2003
+ |accessdate=19 September 2008
+ |location=London
+ |first=Jamie
+ |last=Jackson
+ |archivedate=22 July 2014
+ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722204431/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/sep/07/sport.comment2
+ |deadurl=no
+ |df=
+}}</ref>
 |position            = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]]
 |currentclub         =
@@ Line 33: / Line 45: @@
 Yobo's birthplace is [[Kono, Rivers|Kono]], a community in the [[Khana, Rivers State|Khana]] area of [[Rivers State, Nigeria]].<ref name="kono">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/6904226.stm|title=Hon. Worgu Boms|publisher=BBC|date=18 July 2007|accessdate=1 February 2015}}</ref>
-Yobo left Nigeria to join [[Standard Liège]] in 1998. He made his first team debut in 2000, and went on to appear 46 times. In 2001, he was bought by [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/1493202.stm|title=European Preview: Belgium Transfers|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=15 August 2001|accessdate=19 September 2008|archivedate=16 November 2012|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121116045956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/1493202.stm|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+Yobo left Nigeria to join [[Standard Liège]] in 1998. He made his first team debut in 2000, and went on to appear 46 times. In 2001, he was bought by [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/1493202.stm |title=European Preview: Belgium Transfers |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=15 August 2001 |accessdate=19 September 2008 |archivedate=16 November 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116045956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/1493202.stm |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
 ==Club career==
@@ Line 39: / Line 51: @@
 ===Everton===
 [[File:Van Persie free kick.jpg|thumbnail|left|Yobo playing for Everton against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].]]
-Soon after making his debut, Yobo was loaned to [[CD Tenerife|Tenerife]]. After around nine months, Yobo returned to Marseille, before joining [[Everton F.C.|Everton]], again on loan, in July 2002. A £1 million fee was required to register the player, and he became the first signing of [[David Moyes]].<ref name="bbc_2002">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/football/teams/e/everton/2098473.stm|title=Everton complete Yobo chase|work=BBC Sport|date=9 July 2002|accessdate=20 September 2008|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20031212090617/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/football/teams/e/everton/2098473.stm|archivedate=12 December 2003|deadurl=no}}</ref> An option to make the move permanent was taken up and completed in 2003 after a dispute between Yobo and Marseille was settled,<ref name="everton_profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.evertonfc.com/match/former-blues.html?player_id=20|title=Joseph Yobo – Everton F.C. Player Profile}}</ref> with Everton agreeing a fixed additional fee of £4 million.<ref name="guardian_interview"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Dominic|last=Fifield |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/28/newsstory.sport10|title=Everton close in on Yobo's signature|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=28 November 2002|accessdate=19 September 2008|location= London|archivedate=23 July 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140731101551/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/28/newsstory.sport10|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+Soon after making his debut, Yobo was loaned to [[CD Tenerife|Tenerife]]. After around nine months, Yobo returned to Marseille, before joining [[Everton F.C.|Everton]], again on loan, in July 2002. A £1 million fee was required to register the player, and he became the first signing of [[David Moyes]].<ref name="bbc_2002">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/football/teams/e/everton/2098473.stm |title=Everton complete Yobo chase |work=BBC Sport |date=9 July 2002 |accessdate=20 September 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031212090617/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/football/teams/e/everton/2098473.stm |archivedate=12 December 2003 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> An option to make the move permanent was taken up and completed in 2003 after a dispute between Yobo and Marseille was settled,<ref name="everton_profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.evertonfc.com/match/former-blues.html?player_id=20|title=Joseph Yobo – Everton F.C. Player Profile}}</ref> with Everton agreeing a fixed additional fee of £4 million.<ref name="guardian_interview"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Dominic |last=Fifield |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/28/newsstory.sport10 |title=Everton close in on Yobo's signature |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=28 November 2002 |accessdate=19 September 2008 |location=London |archivedate=31 July 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731101551/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/28/newsstory.sport10 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
 Yobo became one of the most consistent players in the Everton squad, and was one of only seven players in the entire league to play every minute of every game throughout the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07 season]]; his teammate [[Joleon Lescott]] also being an ever-present throughout the season.
-The delay, in 2006, in signing a new contract with Everton lead to rumours of a move to [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/4873048.stm |title=Everton face Yobo contract delay|department=BBC Sport|date=3 April 2006|accessdate=19 September 2008|archivedate=22 March 2012|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20120322162543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/4873048.stm|deadurl=no}}</ref> but on 22 July, Yobo committed himself to [[Goodison Park]] until 2010. On 15 April 2007, Yobo became the record appearance holder for an overseas player at Everton, a record he held until early 2012.<ref>[http://ndn.nigeriadailynews.com/templates/?a=13347 Joseph Yobo on NigeriaNews]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714183337/http://ndn.nigeriadailynews.com/templates/?a=13347 |date=14 July 2011 }}</ref> For the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] match against [[Larissa F.C.|Larissa]] of [[Greece]] on 25 October 2007, Yobo was named as captain in the absence of [[Phil Neville]] and thus became the first African to captain the club. On 6 May 2009, Yobo scored his first goal of the season against [[West Ham United]] to seal a 3–1 win.
+The delay, in 2006, in signing a new contract with Everton lead to rumours of a move to [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/4873048.stm |title=Everton face Yobo contract delay |department=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2006 |accessdate=19 September 2008 |archivedate=22 March 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322162543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/4873048.stm |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> but on 22 July, Yobo committed himself to [[Goodison Park]] until 2010. On 15 April 2007, Yobo became the record appearance holder for an overseas player at Everton, a record he held until early 2012.<ref>[http://ndn.nigeriadailynews.com/templates/?a=13347 Joseph Yobo on NigeriaNews]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714183337/http://ndn.nigeriadailynews.com/templates/?a=13347 |date=14 July 2011 }}</ref> For the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] match against [[Larissa F.C.|Larissa]] of [[Greece]] on 25 October 2007, Yobo was named as captain in the absence of [[Phil Neville]] and thus became the first African to captain the club. On 6 May 2009, Yobo scored his first goal of the season against [[West Ham United]] to seal a 3–1 win.
 In the 2009–10 season, Yobo had to adjust to his new defensive partner, [[Sylvain Distin]], after [[Joleon Lescott]] left and [[Phil Jagielka]] became injured. On 29 November 2009, he scored an own goal in Everton's 2–0 defeat to [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in the [[Merseyside derby]]. Distin, Jagielka and [[John Heitinga]] were increasingly selected over Yobo, confining him to the bench.
 ===Fenerbahçe===
-On 31 August 2010, Yobo signed a one-year loan contract with [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]]. Yobo played in 30 official matches and scored a goal, helping his team win the [[2010–11 Süper Lig|league]] title. On 6 September 2011, Fenerbahçe and Everton agreed on another loan deal for €700,000 and Yobo signed a one-year contract worth €2.35 million.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 September 2011|url= http://www.kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=168934|title=Everton kulübü oyuncusu Joseph YOBO nun 2011–2012 sezonunda kiralık olarak transferi konusunda oyuncu ve kulübü ile anlaşmaya varılmıştır. Anlaşma karşılığında Everton Kulübüne 700.000.avro kiralama bedeli, Joseph YOBO ya ise 2011–2012 sezonu için 2.350.000.avro garanti ücret ödenecektir|work=Fenerbahçe SK|publisher=Turkish Public Disclosure System (KAP)|language=tr}}</ref> On 4 August 2012, he re-signed for Fenerbahçe once again, but this time on a permanent basis on a 3-year contract, after having played for Everton for 10 years. On 17 August Fenerbahçe played against [[Torku Konyaspor]] and Yobo scored a goal in this match.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joseph Yobo completes move from Everton to Fenerbahçe|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/joseph-yobo-completes-move-everton-143000316--sow.html|department=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|accessdate=4 August 2012|date=4 August 2012|author=Husmukh Kerai|archivedate=2 January 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140102195024/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/joseph-yobo-completes-move-everton-143000316--sow.html}}</ref> Before the 2014-2015 season his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated with mutual agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.ntvspor.net/haber/haber-t/112722/yobo-da-gitti|title=Yobo da gitti|work=[[NTV Spor]]|date=29 August 2014|accessdate=29 August 2014|archivedate=3 September 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140903071310/http://m.ntvspor.net/haber/haber-t/112722/yobo-da-gitti}}</ref> On 31 August 2014 was awarded with the plaque of appreciation and have been released from Fenerbahçe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://dailypost.ng/2014/08/31/fenerbahce-release-joseph-yobo/|work=Daily Post|title=Fenerbahce release Joseph Yobo|author=Phillip Eta|date=31 August 2014|accessdate=7 September 2014|archivedate=6 September 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140906053255/http://dailypost.ng/2014/08/31/fenerbahce-release-joseph-yobo/}}</ref>
+On 31 August 2010, Yobo signed a one-year loan contract with [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]]. Yobo played in 30 official matches and scored a goal, helping his team win the [[2010–11 Süper Lig|league]] title. On 6 September 2011, Fenerbahçe and Everton agreed on another loan deal for €700,000 and Yobo signed a one-year contract worth €2.35 million.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 September 2011|url= http://www.kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=168934|title=Everton kulübü oyuncusu Joseph YOBO nun 2011–2012 sezonunda kiralık olarak transferi konusunda oyuncu ve kulübü ile anlaşmaya varılmıştır. Anlaşma karşılığında Everton Kulübüne 700.000.avro kiralama bedeli, Joseph YOBO ya ise 2011–2012 sezonu için 2.350.000.avro garanti ücret ödenecektir|work=Fenerbahçe SK|publisher=Turkish Public Disclosure System (KAP)|language=tr}}</ref> On 4 August 2012, he re-signed for Fenerbahçe once again, but this time on a permanent basis on a 3-year contract, after having played for Everton for 10 years. On 17 August Fenerbahçe played against [[Torku Konyaspor]] and Yobo scored a goal in this match.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joseph Yobo completes move from Everton to Fenerbahçe |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/joseph-yobo-completes-move-everton-143000316--sow.html |department=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |accessdate=4 August 2012 |date=4 August 2012 |author=Husmukh Kerai |archivedate= 2 January 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102195024/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/joseph-yobo-completes-move-everton-143000316--sow.html |df= }}</ref> Before the 2014-2015 season his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated with mutual agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.ntvspor.net/haber/haber-t/112722/yobo-da-gitti |title=Yobo da gitti |work=[[NTV Spor]] |date=29 August 2014 |accessdate=29 August 2014 |archivedate= 3 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903071310/http://m.ntvspor.net/haber/haber-t/112722/yobo-da-gitti |df= }}</ref> On 31 August 2014 was awarded with the plaque of appreciation and have been released from Fenerbahçe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://dailypost.ng/2014/08/31/fenerbahce-release-joseph-yobo/ |work=Daily Post |title=Fenerbahce release Joseph Yobo |author=Phillip Eta |date=31 August 2014 |accessdate=7 September 2014 |archivedate= 6 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906053255/http://dailypost.ng/2014/08/31/fenerbahce-release-joseph-yobo/ |df= }}</ref>
 ===Norwich City===
-On 30 January 2014, Yobo returned to England on loan at [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25958861|title=Transfer window 2014: Norwich City sign Joseph Yobo on loan|date=30 January 2014|accessdate=31 January 2014|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|archivedate=2 February 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140202090958/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25958861|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+On 30 January 2014, Yobo returned to England on loan at [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25958861 |title=Transfer window 2014: Norwich City sign Joseph Yobo on loan |date=30 January 2014 |accessdate=31 January 2014 |author=Oluwashina Okeleji |archivedate= 2 February 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202090958/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25958861 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
-He marked his debut for the club with a clean sheet against top-scoring club [[Manchester City F.C|Manchester City]] on 8 February.<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport|date=8 February 2014|accessdate=8 February 2014|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995045|title=Barclays Premier League: Norwich City 0-0 Manchester City|archivedate=8 February 2014|deadurl=no |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140208120145/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995045}}</ref>
+He marked his debut for the club with a clean sheet against top-scoring club [[Manchester City F.C|Manchester City]] on 8 February.<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport |date=8 February 2014 |accessdate=8 February 2014 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995045 |title=Barclays Premier League: Norwich City 0-0 Manchester City |archivedate= 8 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208120145/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995045 |df= }}</ref>
 ==International career==
-Yobo is a former [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] international, who has been [[Cap (association football)|capped]] [[List of footballers with 100 or more caps|101 times]] and represented the Super Eagles at three [[FIFA World Cup]]s and six [[Africa Cup of Nations]] tournaments.<ref name=fifa>{{cite news|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=178403/profile-detail.html|title=Joseph Yobo|accessdate=1 July 2014|publisher=[[FIFA]]|archivedate=9 July 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140709013506/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=178403/profile-detail.html|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+Yobo is a former [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] international, who has been [[Cap (association football)|capped]] [[List of footballers with 100 or more caps|101 times]] and represented the Super Eagles at three [[FIFA World Cup]]s and six [[Africa Cup of Nations]] tournaments.<ref name=fifa>{{cite news|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=178403/profile-detail.html |title=Joseph Yobo |accessdate=1 July 2014 |publisher=[[FIFA]] |archivedate= 9 July 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709013506/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player%3D178403/profile-detail.html |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
-After participating in Nigeria's run to the [[1999 FIFA World Youth Championship]] quarter-finals, Yobo made his senior international debut against [[Zambia national football team|Zambia]] in a [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier]] on 24 March 2001.<ref name=fifa/> He played in all six of the team's matches in the [[2002 Africa Cup of Nations]]<ref name=rsssf>{{cite news|title=Joseph Phillip Yobo - International Appearances|url=http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/yobo-intl.html|accessdate=1 July 2014|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|archivedate=23 November 2013|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20131123053554/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/yobo-intl.html|deadurl=no}}</ref> and was included in the squad for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], where he was again ever-present,<ref name=rsssf/> assisting [[Julius Aghahowa]]'s goal in a 2–1 loss to [[Sweden national football team|Sweden]].<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport|date=7 June 2002|accessdate=1 July 2014|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_nigeria/default.stm|title=Swedes knock out Nigeria|archivedate=17 January 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140117000903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_nigeria/default.stm|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+After participating in Nigeria's run to the [[1999 FIFA World Youth Championship]] quarter-finals, Yobo made his senior international debut against [[Zambia national football team|Zambia]] in a [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier]] on 24 March 2001.<ref name=fifa/> He played in all six of the team's matches in the [[2002 Africa Cup of Nations]]<ref name=rsssf>{{cite news|title=Joseph Phillip Yobo - International Appearances |url=http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/yobo-intl.html |accessdate=1 July 2014 |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |archivedate=23 November 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123053554/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/yobo-intl.html |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> and was included in the squad for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], where he was again ever-present,<ref name=rsssf/> assisting [[Julius Aghahowa]]'s goal in a 2–1 loss to [[Sweden national football team|Sweden]].<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport |date=7 June 2002 |accessdate=1 July 2014 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_nigeria/default.stm |title=Swedes knock out Nigeria |archivedate=17 January 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117000903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_nigeria/default.stm |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
-Yobo made his second World Cup appearance at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 tournament]] in South Africa, after which he assumed the [[Captain (association football)|captaincy]] on the international retirement of [[Nwankwo Kanu]].<ref name=fifa/> The veteran defender was no longer a first choice player at the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]], but lifted the trophy after appearing as an 89th-minute substitute in Nigeria's 1–0 [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final|final]] defeat of [[Burkina Faso national football team|Burkina Faso]].<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport|date=10 February 2013|accessdate=1 July 2014|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/21403223|title=Africa Cup of Nations final as it happened|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140222080627/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/21403223 |archivedate=22 February 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+Yobo made his second World Cup appearance at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 tournament]] in South Africa, after which he assumed the [[Captain (association football)|captaincy]] on the international retirement of [[Nwankwo Kanu]].<ref name=fifa/> The veteran defender was no longer a first choice player at the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]], but lifted the trophy after appearing as an 89th-minute substitute in Nigeria's 1–0 [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final|final]] defeat of [[Burkina Faso national football team|Burkina Faso]].<ref>{{cite news|department=BBC Sport |date=10 February 2013 |accessdate=1 July 2014 |url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/21403223 |title=Africa Cup of Nations final as it happened |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222080627/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/21403223 |archivedate=22 February 2014 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
-In June 2014, Yobo was included in [[Stephen Keshi]]'s squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|title=World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=3 June 2014|accessdate=1 July 2014|department=BBC Sport|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140629085306/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|deadurl=no |archivedate=29 June 2014}}</ref> He was named in the starting line-up for both the second and third group matches, helping the Super Eagles to clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]].<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=22 June 2014|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235|title=Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce|date=22 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|archivedate=10 March 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140310193200/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235|deadurl=no}}</ref> On 30 June, he made his 100th international appearance, captaining Nigeria against [[France national football team|France]] in the [[2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Round of 16|round of 16]]. After scoring an own goal in the 2–0 defeat, Yobo announced his international retirement, saying: ''"This is it. I can look back on my career with great pride. I wanted to leave on a high for my country. Defeat by France was not the right way to go but I'm happy with all I've done for the national team. It's time to give a chance to other people to come through."''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=keshi-steps-down-yobo-retires-2391384.html|title=Keshi steps down, Yobo retires|date=1 July 2014|accessdate=1 July 2014|publisher=FIFA|archivedate=9 July 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20140709013509/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=keshi-steps-down-yobo-retires-2391384.html|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+In June 2014, Yobo was included in [[Stephen Keshi]]'s squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995 |title=World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad |author=Oluwashina Okeleji |date=3 June 2014 |accessdate=1 July 2014 |department=BBC Sport |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629085306/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995 |deadurl=no |archivedate=29 June 2014 |df= }}</ref> He was named in the starting line-up for both the second and third group matches, helping the Super Eagles to clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]].<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=22 June 2014 |url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235 |title=Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce |date=22 June 2014 |department=BBC Sport |archivedate=10 March 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310193200/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> On 30 June, he made his 100th international appearance, captaining Nigeria against [[France national football team|France]] in the [[2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Round of 16|round of 16]]. After scoring an own goal in the 2–0 defeat, Yobo announced his international retirement, saying: ''"This is it. I can look back on my career with great pride. I wanted to leave on a high for my country. Defeat by France was not the right way to go but I'm happy with all I've done for the national team. It's time to give a chance to other people to come through."''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=keshi-steps-down-yobo-retires-2391384.html |title=Keshi steps down, Yobo retires |date=1 July 2014 |accessdate=1 July 2014 |publisher=FIFA |archivedate= 9 July 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709013509/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y%3D2014/m%3D7/news%3Dkeshi-steps-down-yobo-retires-2391384.html |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
 ==Personal life==
 In 2010, following a brief courtship, Yobo married former [[MBGN]] [[Adaeze Igwe]] in a midnight ceremony held in [[Jos]]. The couple wedded in a very low key ceremony barely three months after they met in December 2009.<ref>[http://www.collegemarket.com.ng/joseph-yobos-complicated-family-life/ Joseph Yobo’s Complicated Family Life of [[www.collegemarket.com.ng]] (21 of July, 2013]</ref> However, it is known that they are said to be trying to hide their marital troubles from the press and general public.<ref>[http://www.inlng.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=6138 Yobo weds Igwe]</ref> The couple welcomed a baby boy named Joey Yobo April 2010.
-He is the younger brother of former Nigeria international [[Albert Yobo]]. In July 2008, his younger brother Norum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06072008/58/premier-league-everton-offer-yobo-assistance.html|title=Everton offer Yobo assistance}}</ref> was kidnapped in [[Port Harcourt]], [[Rivers State]], Nigeria and held for ransom. He was eventually released after 12 days on 17 July 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yobo's Brother Released|magazine=[[Kick Off (magazine)|Kick Off]]|date=19 March 2008|accessdate=13 April 2011|url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/2260/modise-says-he-is-not-feeling-affects-of-fatigue.php|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20101227055028/http://www.kickoff.com/news/2260/modise-says-he-is-not-feeling-affects-of-fatigue.php|archivedate=27 December 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+He is the younger brother of former Nigeria international [[Albert Yobo]]. In July 2008, his younger brother Norum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06072008/58/premier-league-everton-offer-yobo-assistance.html |title=Everton offer Yobo assistance }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> was kidnapped in [[Port Harcourt]], [[Rivers State]], Nigeria and held for ransom. He was eventually released after 12 days on 17 July 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yobo's Brother Released |magazine=[[Kick Off (magazine)|Kick Off]] |date=19 March 2008 |accessdate=13 April 2011 |url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/2260/modise-says-he-is-not-feeling-affects-of-fatigue.php |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227055028/http://www.kickoff.com/news/2260/modise-says-he-is-not-feeling-affects-of-fatigue.php |archivedate=27 December 2010 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
-It was widely reported in the Nigerian media that Yobo went to [[T.B. Joshua]] for prayers after suffering a hamstring injury in the [[2010 Africa Cup of Nations]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Auf der Heyde|title=Sports Medicine – African Style|date=27 January 2010|url=http://news.monstersandcritics.com/africa/features/article_1528962.php/Sports-medicine-African-style-Feature|work=[[Monsters and Critics]]|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121011154334/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/africa/features/article_1528962.php/Sports-medicine-African-style-Feature|archivedate=11 October 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref> Joseph Yobo and his wife, Adaeze Igwe were conferred with chieftaincy titles of Mene Aborlo 1 and Waamene Aborlo 1 respectively of Ogoniland by King GNK Gininwa of Ogoni Kingdom on Saturday, 28 May 2016. This was a day after his testimonial match marking his exit from active football was organised by the Rivers State Government on Friday, 27 May 2016
+It was widely reported in the Nigerian media that Yobo went to [[T.B. Joshua]] for prayers after suffering a hamstring injury in the [[2010 Africa Cup of Nations]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Peter |last=Auf der Heyde |title=Sports Medicine – African Style |date=27 January 2010 |url=http://news.monstersandcritics.com/africa/features/article_1528962.php/Sports-medicine-African-style-Feature |work=[[Monsters and Critics]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011154334/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/africa/features/article_1528962.php/Sports-medicine-African-style-Feature |archivedate=11 October 2012 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Joseph Yobo and his wife, Adaeze Igwe were conferred with chieftaincy titles of Mene Aborlo 1 and Waamene Aborlo 1 respectively of Ogoniland by King GNK Gininwa of Ogoni Kingdom on Saturday, 28 May 2016. This was a day after his testimonial match marking his exit from active football was organised by the Rivers State Government on Friday, 27 May 2016
 ==Charity work==
-In 2007, Yobo set up the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation,<ref>[http://www.josephyobofoundationng.org/ Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation]</ref> to help under-privileged children in Nigeria. As of 18 July 2007, he has handed out over 300 scholarship awards ranging from primary to university level. Yobo has started a football academy in the [[Ogoni]] region of Nigeria. He also runs football camps in [[Lagos]].
+In 2007, Yobo set up the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation,<ref>[http://www.josephyobofoundationng.org/ Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904055938/http://josephyobofoundationng.org/ |date= 4 September 2010 }}</ref> to help under-privileged children in Nigeria. As of 18 July 2007, he has handed out over 300 scholarship awards ranging from primary to university level. Yobo has started a football academy in the [[Ogoni]] region of Nigeria. He also runs football camps in [[Lagos]].
 ==Career statistics==
@@ Line 203: / Line 215: @@
 |2014||6||0
 |-
-!Total||101||7<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110406/Yobos_caps_putting_the_records_straight|author=Kunle Solaja|title=Yobo's caps: putting the records straight |publisher=[[SuperSport (TV channel)|SuperSport]]|date=6 April 2011|archivedate=30 September 2012|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20120930235407/http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110406/Yobos_caps_putting_the_records_straight|deadurl=no}}</ref>
+!Total||101||7<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110406/Yobos_caps_putting_the_records_straight |author=Kunle Solaja |title=Yobo's caps: putting the records straight |publisher=[[SuperSport (TV channel)|SuperSport]] |date=6 April 2011 |archivedate=30 September 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930235407/http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/110406/Yobos_caps_putting_the_records_straight |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>
 |}