Joseph Yobo
Yobo playing for Fenerbahçe in 2012 | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Joseph Phillip Yobo[1] | ||
Date of birth | [1] | 6 September 1980||
Place of birth | Kono, Rivers State, Nigeria | ||
Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Youth career | |||
1996–1997 | Michellin-Harcourt | ||
1997–1998 | Standard Liège | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1998–2001 | Standard Liège | 46 | (2) |
2001–2003 | Marseille | 23 | (0) |
2002–2003 | → Everton (loan) | 24 | (0) |
2003–2012 | Everton | 196 | (8) |
2010–2012 | → Fenerbahçe (loan) | 69 | (2) |
2012–2014 | Fenerbahçe | 21 | (1) |
2014 | → Norwich City (loan) | 8 | (0) |
International career | |||
2001–2014 | Nigeria | 101[3] | (7) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
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
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Van_Persie_free_kick.jpg/220px-Van_Persie_free_kick.jpg)
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 Fenerbahce was terminated with mutual agreement.[13] On 31 August 2014 was awarded with the plaque of appreciation and have been released from Fenerbahce.[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 100 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]
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
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 |
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 | ![]() |
1–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |||||
2. | 31 January 2004 | Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet, Monastir, Tunisia | ![]() |
1–0 | 4–0 | 2004 African Cup of Nations | |||||
3. | 3 July 2004 | Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria | ![]() |
1–0 | 1–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification | |||||
4. | 7 June 2008 | National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–1 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification | |||||
5. | 15 June 2008 | Nuevo Estadio de Malabo, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–1 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification | |||||
6. | 5 June 2011 | Addis Ababa Stadium, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | ![]() |
2–2 | 2–2 | 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification | |||||
7. | 4 September 2011 | Mahamasina Stadium, Antananarivo, Madagascar | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–2 | 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification | |||||
Correct as of 4 September 2011 |
Honours
Club
- Turkish Süper Lig (1): 2010–11
- Turkish Cup (2): 2011–12-2012-13
International
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}}
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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}}
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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}}
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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 23 July 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2008.
{{cite news}}
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/|archive-url=
timestamp mismatch; 31 July 2014 suggested (help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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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}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Joseph Yobo on NigeriaNews Template:Wayback
- ^ "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 Fenerbahce". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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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}}
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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".
- ^ "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
- ^ "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)
- Use dmy dates from February 2013
- 1980 births
- Living people
- Nigerian footballers
- Nigeria international footballers
- Nigeria under-20 international footballers
- Nigerian expatriate footballers
- Expatriate footballers in England
- Expatriate footballers in France
- Expatriate footballers in Spain
- Expatriate footballers in Belgium
- Expatriate footballers in Turkey
- Association football central defenders
- Standard Liège players
- Olympique de Marseille players
- Everton F.C. players
- Fenerbahçe footballers
- Norwich City F.C. players
- Ligue 1 players
- Premier League players
- Belgian First Division A players
- Süper Lig players
- 2002 FIFA World Cup players
- 2002 African Cup of Nations players
- 2004 African Cup of Nations players
- 2006 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2008 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2010 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2010 FIFA World Cup players
- 2013 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2014 FIFA World Cup players
- FIFA Century Club
- Nigerian expatriates in Turkey
- Nigerian expatriates in England
- Nigerian expatriates in France
- Nigerian expatriates in Spain
- Nigerian expatriates in Belgium
- Sportspeople from Port Harcourt
- People from Diobu, Port Harcourt
- Africa Cup of Nations-winning players
- People from Khana