By George Aluo
A full house of soccer stars, especially ex-internationals from different parts of the world! That is what is expected in Port Harcourt on May 27 when former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, is formally “pulled out” from international football in a testimonial game to be played at the Adokie Amiesiemeka Stadium.
Yobo, who spoke on the event yesterday at a media parley in Lagos disclosed that Manchester United forward, Wayne Rooney, will lead the army of soccer super stars that would be storming the city of Port Harcourt for the testimonial game.
The former Eagles captain stressed that those packaging the event for him would in the next couple of days be reeling out names of the stars that have signed up for the game, but was however quick in stating: “I can confirm to you that Wayne Rooney will be in Port Harcourt. Drogba is coming, Etoo and Kolo Toure will be in the country…for sure, its going to be a full house. My manager in Everton David Moyes is going to be Port Harcourt. In the days ahead, we will be confirming the names of those coming,” Yobo said.
The media parley which was graced by former Super Eagles coaches and captains was one in which encomium was poured on Yobo with Amodu Shuaibu describing him as a captain who was ready to sacrifice everything for the country.
“One occasion when Yobo displayed unparalleled patriotism was when he flew into Tunisia in a chartered private jet to honor national call without asking for any refund,” Amodu said.
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyayi who read a goodwill message from Gov Nyesom Wike assured that the state was ready to host the testimonial game, even as he congratulated Yobo for all that he achieved with the Eagles and for becoming the first Nigerian player to earn over a 100 caps in the national team. It is recalled that Yobo captained the Eagles to lift the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.