The former Everton star was a prolific goalscorer during his playing days, but Nigerians still haunt him for that infamous miss at the 2010 World Cup
Yakubu Aiyegbeni has revealed he won’t apologise for that miss that cost Nigeria a place in the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Nigeria were drawn alongside Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B of the first World Cup to take place in Africa.
The three-time African champions started their campaign on a disappointing note, losing to Argentina. It got worse for them in the second group game as they lost 2-1 to Greece despite scoring first.
However, despite losing their first two matches, Nigeria went into the third group game against South Korea with a chance to qualify for the next round.
The Super Eagles only needed a win with the hope that Argentina beat Greece in the other group game. While Argentina played their part, Nigeria could only manage a 2-2 draw against the Koreans.
However, it could have been different had Aiyegbeni not miss a sitter. After Kalu Uche had put Nigeria ahead, Korea turned it around by scoring two quickfire goals.
But Aiyegbeni had the chance to draw Nigeria level when a low cross from Yusuf Ayinla found him in the box, but the former Everton striker could only direct his effort wide with only the goal to beat.
It was a moment that Nigerians would never forget, but Yakubu revealed he would never apologise for missing the sitter.
“I won’t apologise at all. Why should I? I’ve scored so many goals for Nigeria too. I have sacrificed a lot for the country. Did anyone apologise to me? It was not a deliberate miss. I seriously wanted to score, but it wasn’t to be,” Yakubu told Nation TV.
The 38-year-old would later score from the penalty spot to draw Nigeria level, but it was not enough to save the Super Eagles from elimination.
Aiyegbeni scored 21 times in 57 appearances for Nigeria.
This post was last modified on January 28, 2021 4:09 pm