Yobo Wins Turkish Cup, Nominated For Top Award

Posted: May 22, 2013

By Dare Esan:

Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo was like the rock of Gibraltar for his Turkish side, Fenerbahce Wednesday night in their Turkish Cup final game against Trabzonspor at the Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Yobo was on for all 90 minutes as Fenerbahce relied on a Moussa Sow's 9th minute goal to emerge Turkish Cup kings, thereby making up for the disappointment of losing the Turkish League title to Galatassaray.

Meanwhile Yobo, who has been declared surplus to requirement by Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi,  has been named as one of the four best centre-backs in the Turkish Super League in the 2012/2013 season.

Yobo is up for the centre-back honour along with Galatasaray’s Semih Kaya, 22; Diego Angelo of Eskisehispor, 27; and Aykut Demir of Gençlerbirliği, 24.

In describing the Nigeria captain, who is the oldest nominee at 32, the website writes: “The experienced Nigerian international installed confidence into the back four. When Yobo played Fenerbahçe looked a lot more sturdy in defense. The stats speak for themselves, the Yellow Canaries conceded 19 goals in the 20 games Yobo played in however, conceded 18 goals in the 14 games which he missed. The African Cup of Nations winner also helped guide the Istanbul giants to the semi-finals of the Europa League.”

Yobo has had a successful season, captaining the Super Eagles to their first African title in 19 years and playing a key role in his club’s unlikely run to the Europa League semi-finals. Fenerbahce also finished second in the Turkish top flight.

He made 30 appearances for Fenerbahce in all competitions in the just concluded season.