Yakubu Aiyegbeni: The Remarkable Rise of a Super Eagles Icon
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, famously dubbed “The Yak,” is a former striker for Nigeria‘s Super Eagles who has candidly recounted his journey from playing barefoot football on the dusty streets of Nigeria to becoming a celebrated figure in Europe’s elite football leagues.
Born on November 22, 1982, in Benin City, Edo State, Yakubu’s upbringing was modest, shaped by the realities of life in a Nigerian city where football was a passion but resources were scarce.
Yakubu Reflects on His Early Days
In a heartfelt conversation with Sky Sports, Yakubu revealed, “Growing up playing football without shoes on the streets, it was a challenge. Being able to afford my own boots later on was a big milestone. It’s tough for many of us who come from Africa.”
His love for football often conflicted with his family’s hopes, especially his father’s desire for him to prioritize education over sports.
“I remember my father urging me to focus on school, but football was my true passion. At first, he wasn’t convinced,” Yakubu shared.
Despite these obstacles, Yakubu’s exceptional skills could not be overlooked. He launched his professional career in 1997 with Julius Berger FC (now Bridge FC) in Nigeria’s top league. A year later, he moved to Israel’s Maccabi Haifa, where he gained international attention, notably during the 2002-03 UEFA Champions League campaign.
His European breakthrough arrived in 2003 when he joined Portsmouth on loan, playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the English Premier League.
Throughout his career in England, Yakubu featured for clubs such as Middlesbrough, Everton, Leicester City, and Blackburn Rovers, tallying an impressive 96 goals across 252 Premier League matches.
Internationally, Yakubu proudly donned the Super Eagles jersey from 2000 until 2012, earning 58 caps and scoring 21 goals. He made his debut at just 17 years old during a commanding 4-0 victory over Eritrea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
His international resume includes participation in four AFCON tournaments, the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he started all group stage matches and scored against South Korea.