Yakubu Aiyegbeni: Former Nigeria Striker Haunted by Missed Chance vs South Korea in 2010 World Cup

• Yakubu Aiyegbeni still receives criticism for missing a chance 14 years ago
• The Former Super Eagles star missed a sitter in the 2010 South Africa World Cup
• The lost opportunity overshadows his legacy despite scoring over 200 goals

Former Super Eagles forward, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, has opened up about the relentless criticism he faces from Nigerians regarding a missed chance 14 years ago.

The unforgettable incident occurred on June 22, 2010, in a FIFA World Cup Group B match against South Korea, where Yakubu failed to finish a tap-in.

Despite later redeeming himself with a penalty, the miss continues to haunt him to this day.

Yakubu expressed his dismay at still receiving messages from disgruntled fans demanding an explanation for the infamous miss.

Stanley Nwabali: Nigeria Goalkeeper Receives Hero’s Welcome in His Home Town After AFCON Heroics

Football

“I still get messages from people. Different messages. I remember one was sending a message last week and he was like ‘how do you explain that goal missed to your daughter Kayla’ he mentioned my daughter’s name ‘Kayla’,” he said, as reported by Daily Post Nigeria.

Despite his prolific career and numerous achievements, the ex-Everton man lamented that his legacy seems overshadowed by that singular event at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

He highlighted his crucial role in Nigeria's qualification for the Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup, where his goals were instrumental in securing the team's spot.

The former Blackburn forward urged fans to move on, stressing that the country faced more significant challenges beyond football. He also asked fans to prioritize pressing national issues over sports controversies.

"Our problem in Nigeria is not football. They should focus on reality in Nigeria than focus on Iwobi," Yakubu said, as reported by Pulse Sports.

Omeruo discloses threatening message a fan sent to Aina after Nigeria’s loss vs Ivory Coast

Football

Despite the enduring scrutiny, he remains one of Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorers, boasting over 200 career goals.

Yakubu says Alex Iwobi is not Jay Jay Okocha

Sports Brief reported that Yakubu urged fans to stop comparing Alex Iwobi to Jay Jay Okocha.

Iwobi faced heavy criticisms from Nigerians despite helping the Super Eagles to finish the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast as runner-up.

The Fulham star was singled out for blame after hosts Ivory Coast came from behind to deny the Eagles a fourth continental title.