Yobo to miss Rwanda tie

INJURED Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, has been ruled out of next month 2013 Africa Nations Cup’s return leg against Rwanda.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

INJURED Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, has been ruled out of next month 2013 Africa Nations Cup’s return leg against Rwanda.According to Nigerian press, Super Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya said, "Yobo has been ruled out of the all the June matches as his club has confirmed he will be sidelined for at least a month.”Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has moved swiftly to name replacements for Nigeria’s most experienced central defender, by calling up South Africa-based Gege Soriola, Papa Idris and Godfrey Oboabona."Gege Soriola was splendid for Free State Stars in the South African league, Geodfrey Oboabona plays that role regularly for Sunshine Stars, but we use him here as a full back and he can easily revert to that,” said Keshi.Yobo’s absence is a massive blow to Nigeria because he has been one of the most consistent performers for the national team and has been a big source of inspiration for the new team Keshi has been building since he took charge in November.Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is the hot favourite to captain Nigeria for the qualifiers in the absence of Yobo.Next month, Rwanda will play Nigeria in the return leg of the 2013 African Nations Cup qualifiers, after both teams settled for a goaless draw in Kigali earlier this year.