Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has revealed that, even 15 years later, Nigerian fans continue to criticize him for his infamous miss during the 2010 FIFA World Cup match against South Korea.
In the match that ultimately led to Nigeria’s exit from the tournament, Yakubu missed a golden opportunity to score into an open net inside the six-yard box, with the goalkeeper and defenders already beaten. The miss has since become a lasting memory for Nigerian football fans.
“I still get messages from people, different people, about that miss,” Yakubu shared during a podcast. “One asked how I would explain it to my daughter Kayla. I was like, wow, 13, 14 years ago, and people still think about that.”
Lingering Criticism
Yakubu, nicknamed “The Yak,” also mentioned receiving messages labeling him as the worst Super Eagles striker in history. He expressed his disappointment, noting how fans overlook his contributions to Nigerian football, including moments of triumph.
“It hurts because people don’t remember the good things. I scored twice in Sudan for Nigeria to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.”
Reflecting on His Contribution
The former striker recounted Nigeria’s decisive match against Sudan during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. Despite tough conditions and low expectations, the Super Eagles triumphed 4-0, with Yakubu scoring twice alongside goals from Julius Aghahowa and ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.
“Nobody thought we would qualify because of the crazy weather. A draw or loss, and we were out. I scored two goals to help secure our ticket to the World Cup,” Yakubu recalled.
Ironically, despite playing a significant role in the qualifiers, Yakubu was dropped from the final squad for the 2002 World Cup.
A Legacy of Mixed Emotions
While the 2010 miss remains a sore point for fans, Yakubu’s career achievements, including his commitment and crucial contributions, tell a broader story. He continues to hope that fans will one day recognize the bigger picture of his dedication to Nigerian football.
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