Nairobi News

Former Everton Star and Nigerian football legend Joseph Yobo believes Kenyan has got enough talents which can compete competitively and play for top clubs not only in Africa but also in Europe.

Yobo was on Saturday night among hundreds of fans who watched the Uefa Champions League final pitting Italian giants Inter Milan and Manchester City at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Mombasa road.

With former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and Sports Personality Njeri Meg he was among the panelists who analysed the game. The watch party was attended by enthusiastic Man City and Inter Milan fans courtesy of a sponsorship of MasterCard.

The former Nigerian captain vouched for Kenyan footballers to shine in the continental and European football citing Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana who starred in the finals played out in Istanbul, Turkey.

“I have played against Kenya national team before and also know local clubs like Gor Mahia who have been participating in Caf. With hard work, investment into the game and good will, Kenyan players can go places just like Onana showed us today,” said Yobo.

“0nana was like a leader commanding Inter defence and was so unlucky to lose. Players like Onana show there is quality in Africa, there is quality in Kenya and African players can perform in big matches. So we shouldn’t look inferior,” added Yobo, 42. The former Super Eagles defender however said Kenya should do more in terms of nurturing talents so that they make it to the African Cup of Nations.

Yobo played for Everton for eight years making more than 250 appearances before leaving to join Fenerbahce in Turkey in 2012. He had joined the English Premier League side in July 2002 as one of the signings of former Everton Manager David Moyes.

He retired from football after the 2014 World Cup having made more than 100 appearances for Nigeria. Currently he manages his business and dreams of following in the footsteps of Samuel Et’o by contesting for the Nigerian Football Federation Presidency in future.

During the event Master Card Country Manager for East Africa Shehryar Ali said the company will continue investing in football as a way of keeping touch with its customers.

“Football is a common unifying passion and by investing in football you bring people together. As you can see today here our fans have had a good experience and we are proud of that. We believe as master card the real deal is coming together ,” said Ali

Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 to win this season’s Champions League title.