Yobo ‘looking forward’ to renewing rivalry with Keita

Nigeria skipper Joseph Yobo is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with Mali captain Seydou Keita.

The two first met back in 1999 in the World Youth Championships in Nigeria and will meet again in the semifinal of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) today.

“I wish I could answer that question on the field of play if I am picked,” said Yobo when asked about his battle with Keita.

Yobo, who has been used sparingly by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, said if he gets the chance to play he will do his best to see his team through to the final.

“Everybody is motivated because we just have to cross one bridge between here and the final. History does not count now and what matters is how we do against Mali. We have forgotten about our win over Ivory Coast,” said the Fernebahce defender.

He conceded the game against Mali would be another tough one as both teams are physically and tactically superior.

He said he was hungry for success as his days in the Nigerian team are nearing an end. This would be his last Afcon tournament, he said.

“I will also retire from international football after the World Cup and obviously I want to do well. But it is not about me, but the team as a whole.”

Yobo played the entire game against Burkina Faso but was dropped in the second game against Zambia.

He came on as a late sub in matches against Ethiopia and Ivory Coast and his chances of starting against Mali look very slim.