‘Yobo, Mikel Rift Inspired Eagles AFCON 2013 Victory’

The rift between former Super Eagles captains Joseph Yobo and Mikel Obi at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa inspired the team to their third African title in South Africa, Ogenyi Onazi has revealed.
The Eagles, under late coach Stephen Keshi, started the tournament on a shaky note, recording 1-1 draws against Burkina Faso and Zambia in their opening two group games but they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia courtesy of a brace from Victor Moses in their last game of the group.
Their qualification for the next round saw the Eagles draw huge tournament favourites Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, a tie which saw them team tagged ‘underdogs’ by many football enthusiasts.
But against the run of play, the Eagles defeated the star-studded Ivorians 2-1 to reach the semi-final of the competition.
Tournament top scorer Emmanuel Emenike opened the scoring with a long-range shot that sailed right through the arms of Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry two minutes before half-time.
The late Cheikh Tiote equalised early in the second half with a header as he stole in unmarked at the back post.
Sunday Mba then scored 12 minutes from time to hand Nigeria a shock 2-1 quarter-final win and knock favourites Ivory Coast out of the tournament.
The Eagles went on to win the title for a third time following a 4-1 win over Mali in the semi-final with goals from Elderson Echiejile, Ahmed Musa, Ideye Brown, and an own goal from Momo Sissoko.
In the final against Burkina Faso, a solitary strike from Mba secured the title for Nigeria in Johannesburg.
Speaking with Tidesports sources, Onazi, who made five appearances at the tournament revealed that Yobo took a swipe at Mikel during a team talk prior to the Eagles quarter-final game against Lesotho.
“Something interesting happened before the match against Ivory Coast,” Onazi said.
“The Big Boss (Keshi) had a meeting with the team after our lunch and when he finished, Joseph Yobo, the captain, said we should all wait.
“He had been having this little issue with Mikel. So immediately, the coaching staff left, he took a swipe at Mikel immediately, saying, I know I have some issues with Mikel, but that’s okay. We have a very important game (against Ivory Coast) ahead of us and I know I am not starting this game, but I know you guys in there will do us proud.