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Joseph YoboNigerian footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 06.09.1980
Country:  Nigeria |
Content:
- Joseph Yobo: A Distinguished Defender on the Field and Beyond
- A Stalwart at Everton
- Loan Spells and International Success
- Personal Life and Philanthropy
- Achievements
Joseph Yobo: A Distinguished Defender on the Field and Beyond
Early Career and European StintsJoseph Yobo, a Nigerian footballer, embarked on his professional journey in 1998 with Standard Liège in Belgium. His debut came in 2000, and he went on to make 46 appearances for the club. In 2001, he was acquired by Olympique de Marseille of France. After a brief debut, Yobo was loaned to CD Tenerife in Spain. After nine months, he returned to Marseille before being loaned again to Everton F.C. in July 2002.
A Stalwart at Everton
In 2003, Everton permanently signed Yobo from Marseille. He became a consistent performer for the English club, notably being one of just seven Premier League players to feature in every match during the 2006/07 season. In 2006, he extended his contract with Everton until 2010. In the 2009/10 season, Yobo had to adjust to a new defensive partnership with Sylvain Distin after Joleon Lescott's move to left back and Phil Jagielka's injury. On November 29, 2009, he scored an unfortunate own goal in the Merseyside derby, contributing to Everton's 0-2 loss.
Loan Spells and International Success
During the 2010/11 season, Yobo was loaned to Fenerbahçe in Turkey, where he won the Süper Lig title. Fenerbahçe extended his loan for the 2011/12 season. On January 30, 2014, he joined Norwich City on loan until the end of the 2013/14 campaign.
Yobo made his international debut for Nigeria in 2001. He played in three matches at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but the Super Eagles failed to advance from the group stage. His performances at international level were highly regarded. He also featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and in 2014, he scored an own goal in his 100th appearance for Nigeria in the Round of 16 match against France. After this match, Yobo announced his retirement from international football.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 2010, Yobo married Adaeze Igwe after a brief courtship. It was widely reported that Yobo sought prayers from T. B. Joshua after suffering a hamstring injury at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2007, he established the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation to support underprivileged children in Nigeria. As of July 18, 2007, he had awarded over 300 scholarships, ranging from primary school to university level. Yobo also created a football academy in the Ogoni region of Nigeria.
Achievements
Fenerbahçe:- Süper Lig Champion: 2010/11, 2013/14
- Turkish Cup Winner: 2011/12, 2012/13
Nigeria:
- Africa Cup of Nations Winner: 2013
