Joseph Yobo talks Super Eagles leadership, coaching, 2026 World Cup

In this engaging interview with AZUBUIKE JIDEAKA, former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo offers candid reflections on his time as both a player and assistant coach with the Nigerian national team. Yobo speaks about working alongside Austin Eguavoen, the challenges of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and his thoughts on the national team’s future. He shares insights into the team’s attacking philosophy, his personal experience in coaching, and the leadership qualities of key players like William Troost-Ekong. Yobo also touches on his personal journey, leaving the door open for a potential return to football management.

You were managed by Austin Eguavoen and served under him during the AFCON 2021 run and the unfortunate non qualification for the 2022 World Cup. We saw the side play with a level of freedom again and scoring goals. What do you think makes Cerezo stand -out?

Yobo: From my experience he has never been a defensive minded coach even in my time as a captain under him, he always wants you to build from the back. We were an attacking side under him starting from the back especially when playing at home. Nigeria’s DNA is an attacking footballing one; he also has that philosophy from his playing days. As his assistant at the AFCON in Cameroon, I thought we played the best I have seen us play but it’s quite unfortunate we got that red card in the second half after we made a substitution that was meant to change the game. The pattern of play was defined even though some people forget this sometimes. Performance wise, that was one of the best I have seen the Eagles, both individually and collectively.

The Cerezo I know is more like an attacking-minded coach who loves his team to play football. We missed some key