Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, fondly known as “The Yak,” has always been candid about his career — both the triumphs and the heartbreaks.
Appearing as a guest on Oliseh’s Global Football Insights podcast alongside co-hosts Sunday Oliseh and Omotoyosi Adebanjo, Yak offered heartfelt reflections on his time with the Super Eagles and what he thinks of the present-day team.
One of his most striking remarks came as he compared his era to today’s side: “If I happened to play in the era of this Super Eagles, I would struggle to score goals.”
He explained that while the current squad is filled with defensive-minded players, it lacks the creative midfielders who can supply the decisive passes strikers depend on.
Yak also delved into the origins of his famous goal celebration, which became a trademark over the years. Inspired by South African footballer and former Everton teammate Steven Pienaar, Yak described how he was urged to dance like Nollywood star Ikem Owoh after scoring. “I scored and did it. Since that time, till I retired, it remained a trademark celebration for me,” he said.
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The Unforgettable miss in South Africa
But perhaps the most emotional moment in the conversation came when Yak relived the infamous miss against South Korea at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. “In my head, 100 percent, I thought I had scored. I touched the ball with the side of my foot but did not hit it properly,” he confessed. He recalled smiling despite his disappointment although he was terribly pained from within, and how he had to battle the weight of public criticism.
Yet, Yak remains proud of his contributions to Nigerian football. His goal in the third place playoff at the Mali 2002 AFCON and his strike during the 2010 World Cup are moments he cherishes.
“Playing with the Super Eagles national team will always be an honour for me,” he emphasised.
He also looked back with nostalgia at the camaraderie of his generation, mentioning names like Tijani Babangida, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Oliseh. According to Yak, those bonds made the camp vibrant and competitive, unlike, according to him, today’s team where invitations are sometimes handed out after just one good performance in Europe.
Through his reflections, Yak painted a picture of a striker who carried the weight of expectations, both celebrated and criticised, but always deeply connected to his team.
Tags: Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Sunday Oliseh, Super Eagles, #SoarSuperEagles, Oliseh’s global football insights podcast.
