How Yakubu’s Miss in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Forever Changed Nigerian Football

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: December 22, 2010

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On June 22, 2010, the Nigerian and South Korean international football teams met at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in the final group stage match of Group B.

So far in the World Cup, Nigeria was a major disappointment, losing 1-0 to Argentina and 2-1 to Greece, and could have only advanced onto the round of 16 if they won their final match against South Korea.

Meanwhile, South Korea was able to beat Greece 2-0 before losing 4-1 to Argentina, which was due in large part to a hat trick by Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain.

In the match between Nigeria and South Korea, Nigeria took an early lead in the 12th minute off of a great finish by Kalu Uche after a low cross from Chidi Odiah.

However, goals from Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-Young gave South Korea a 2-1 lead, which looked to be enough for South Korea to advance into the round of 16.

However, Nigeria got a chance in the 66th minute that the Super Eagles will probably never forget.

On the end of a pass from Ayila Yussuf that was fed through the South Korean defense was none other than Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who was one of the most accomplished players in Nigerian international football history, and a star player for Everton of the English Premier League.

Once the pass found Yakubu's foot about four yards away from the empty goal, Yakubu pushed the ball wide of the left post to keep South Korea ahead 2-1.

Three minutes later, Yakubu was able to calmly finish a penalty to knot the score at two apiece, but the damage was done as Nigeria was unable to score again and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

With this result, Nigeria was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup with just one point, while South Korea advanced into the round of 16 with four points.

To make matters worse for Nigeria, Greece also lost to Argentina 2-0 in Polokwane, which meant that Nigeria would have advanced into the ro...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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