Injury Threatens Yobo

Joseph Yobo’s African Nations Cup may be over after the defender pulled his hamstring in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Benin Republic.

The 29-year-old pulled up clutching his hamstring on 53 minutes after stretching to make a clearance ahead of Benin striker, Razak Omotoyossi.

Super Eagles Media Officer Idah Peterside, told Tide sport source  that the initial prognosis is a two-week absence.

“The doctors are looking at him and think he will be out for one or two weeks. They haven’t made a final decision yet as it is still on ice, but Yobo himself says he feels like it will be two weeks,” Peterside said.

If that proves to be the case, it means the Everton defender will only be fit again on the day of the tournament’s third place match.

Peterside says that is a worst-case scenario, but says there is adequate cover in the event that proves to be the case.

“We don’t expect it to be that bad. Hopefully, he will recover on time to join us for the knockout stages. But we have enough cover in defence. Apam is there, Nwaneri is there, and we also have Ayila who can play as a defender if he has to.”