Brasilia, July 1 (IANS) Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo has announced his retirement from international football following the team’s elimination from the World Cup Monday.
The 33-year-old scored an injury-time own goal in his team’s 0-2 defeat by France in their Round-of-16 clash at the Mane Garrincha National stadium, reports Xinhua.
“It was a bitter-sweet moment for me, but I think it is time to focus on my family,” the Fenerbahce defender said after the match.
Yobo, who made his international debut in 2001, won his 100th cap for the Super Eagles Monday.
He represented Nigeria at three World Cups and captained the team to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria advanced to the knockout phase in Brazil after finishing second in Group-F behind Argentina.
Despite ending his international career on a sour note, Yobo refused to dwell on what might have been.
“We came here and were not disgraced,” the former Everton centre-back said.
“I never thought that I’d be here, because I missed the last six games of the season through injury. They gave me an opportunity, but it is unfortunate what happened. I gave my all,” he added.
