Posted by By OJIEVA EHIOSUN on
Nigeria International football star, Joseph Yobo, has revealed that he went through a turtuous spiritual exercise to grab a first team shirt at Everton of England.
Nigeria International football star, Joseph Yobo, has revealed that he went through a turtuous spiritual exercise to grab a first team shirt at Everton of England.
Yobo, who expressed gratitude to God for using Pastor Godwin Nwachukwu to effect his break-through, told Daily Sunsport recently in Lagos: "It was not an easy task breaking into the first team of Everton, the red-lipped central defender started, "God has been the secret of my success. My pastor and I had to fast for seven days before I made the start list after I joined Everton from Olympic Marseille of France. This is the more reason why I can't do without thanking God.
"After I made the start list, the battle for survival did not end. Here, in fact, after my first match, I discovered that I had more battles to fight. So, each time I'm alone, I would go into privacy, praying to God because it isn't easy for a black man to be at the fore-front of a club like Everton. It was a shock to many. Each time the coach want to behave funny, I will quickly pick-up my phone and call my pastor here in Nigeria, and he kept telling me to have faith in God, saying that God has done it for me and, after few days, I will call him again to tell him that things are already working in my favour.
"In fact, I have a very long testimony, people never wanted me to be somebody, but thank God today for changing the story of my life," Yobo said.
Commenting on his family background, the Everton strongman of defence said, "I thank God for making me come from the Yobo family, my story from grass to grace is basically the handiwork of God. Personally, I was not born with a silver spoon. We lost our father at a very tender age and ever since then, my mother had to struggle, day in, day-out to ensure that we become somebody in life. She so loved me that at times, she kept telling me that I will one day rise to be a great star and she kept praying for me. In fact, my mother is everything to me. I love her for bringing me into the world."
On his football career, he explained: "It is a gift from God. When I discovered that I was talented, I did not waste time in realising it. As a result, therefore, I went into action. If I was a rough kind of person, or if I had kept bad friends, I won't be here today. So, I thank God for making me a humble person," he said.
Whether his wealth had changed any life in his entire family Yobo said.
"I'm not here to expose my contributions to my family, but it is natural for any one on top to assist his family and friends. As far as I am concerned I will do anything I can to make my family and my church members happy."
On the Nigeria-Angola match, Yobo said: "We are in Nigeria for a serious business. The Palancas Negras of Angola will get the shock of their lives. We are not going to underrate them at all. It is a very crucial match and we must put in everything we have to ensure we qualify from our group.
"You see, the dream of any focused footballer is to be at the World Cup. Therefore, as far as I am concern, this is just the beginning of my career. My dream is to be at many World Cup championships as God would permit. However, as for this match, Angola will see hell."