Yakubu Aiyegbeni was an exceptional talent for both his club and national team, with statistics that speak volumes. However, it is perplexing that he is often remembered more for his missed opportunities than his accomplishments.
The discussion surrounding undervalued footballers is intricate and multifaceted.
It seems that hardly a day passes without social media buzzing about the most underrated players in various leagues, while elite clubs frequently celebrate their legends later in life, often neglecting to do so during their active careers.
Here is a player whose unique style and personal milestones suggest he should be celebrated, yet his name is seldom mentioned in these discussions.
That player is Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
He achieved this and so much more.
Yakubu’s statistics distinctly highlight his status as one of the top players during his prime, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries.
His remarkable achievements were often overshadowed by a missed opportunity for Nigeria against South Korea in the 2010 World Cup.
Achievements Supported by Statistics
Let’s delve into the statistics:
During his peak years, Yakubu consistently scored in double figures for five consecutive seasons in England.
His goals were diverse, showcasing a range of skills from powerful headers to impressive long-range strikes, encompassing nearly every type of finish.
For instance, one particular goal exemplified a combination of strength, awareness, and accuracy that deserves greater recognition.
Entry into English Football
Yakubu made his entrance into English football on loan from Maccabi Haifa in January 2003, as Harry Redknapp sought to enhance his Portsmouth squad’s chances of securing automatic promotion to the Premier League from the Championship.
This was a low-risk acquisition, reflecting Redknapp’s knack for identifying hidden talent in the transfer market, and it proved successful as Yakubu netted seven goals in 14 appearances, aiding Pompey in clinching the championship title.
They were sufficiently impressed with Yakubu’s qualifications to invest £4 million in his talents during the summer, marking the Nigerian’s well-deserved transition to England.
The previous year, Maccabi had transferred a then 20-year-old Yakubu to Derby County; however, despite training with the team for a period, he was unable to secure a work permit.
Naturally, Yakubu felt disheartened by the collapse of what he had envisioned as a dream move, but he refused to let it deter him. Upon returning to Maccabi, he made an immediate impact by scoring twice in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round against Sturm Graz, helping the Israeli team reach the group stage.
In the main competition, Yakubu showcased his exceptional talent, netting a hat-trick in a commanding 3-0 victory over Olympiakos, followed by a penalty that contributed to another 3-0 triumph against Manchester United, along with an additional goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Olympiakos.
Although Maccabi finished third in their group and dropped into the UEFA Cup, Yakubu made a significant impression on the global stage, tallying seven goals in eight matches.
This performance paved the way for his transfer to Portsmouth, marking the beginning of Yakubu’s remarkable journey in English football.
With his robust physique and low center of gravity, Yakubu was ideally suited for the physical demands of the Premier League.
He may not have had exceptional speed, but he compensated for it with his ability to overpower defenders through sheer strength.
However, Yakubu’s skill set extended beyond mere physicality. He was highly effective in front of the net, demonstrating a keen sense of positioning and timing that made him an ideal finisher in the box.
In his inaugural Premier League season, he netted sixteen goals, followed by twelve in his second season.
In his final match for Portsmouth, he remarkably scored four out of five goals in a 5-1 rout against future club Middlesbrough, showcasing his dominance on the field.
Further achievements at Middlesbrough
Shortly thereafter, Middlesbrough expressed interest, offering £7.5 million—the highest transfer fee ever for a Nigerian player at that time—prompting Portsmouth to part with their star player after just two years.
The 2005-06 season at the Riverside was exhilarating, as Steve McClaren guided the team through an impressive campaign, especially in cup competitions.
Yakubu played a pivotal role in this success, contributing 19 goals across all competitions; the change in environment did not diminish his scoring prowess.
Yakubu’s tenure at Boro mirrored his time at Portsmouth, lasting just two years, yet he managed to contribute an additional 12 league goals in his second season.
One standout moment occurred during a 3-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, marking the heaviest defeat of the Portuguese manager’s initial spell at the club.
On that remarkable day, Yakubu was in exceptional form: he first capitalized on a loose ball to assist Fábio Rochemback for the opening goal, and later, he scored a stunning goal to seal the match.
When the ball came to him, he found himself one-on-one with John Terry, who was at the height of his career. Without hesitation, the Nigerian forward took on the challenge, maneuvered into the box, and delivered a precise low shot past Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper.
A high followed by a low
In 2007, David Moyes recognized Yakubu’s talent and made him Everton’s record signing for £11.25 million.
Eager to compete regularly in Europe, Yakubu found a fitting opportunity at Everton, who were in search of a prolific striker to elevate their chances of continental competition. This partnership proved beneficial for both sides.
Embracing his unique style, Yakubu opted for the number 22 jersey, symbolizing his goal aspirations.
Despite a season interrupted by his participation in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, he scored 15 league goals and concluded the season with a total of 21 goals across all competitions, just one short of his goal target.
Achieving his highest career tally, Yakubu became the first Everton player since Peter Beardsley in 1992 to surpass the 20-goal mark, helping the team secure a fifth-place finish and achieve their goal of European qualification.
He is also infamously remembered for missing an open goal against South Korea during the 2010 World Cup, which is unfortunate, as it overshadows his many remarkable goals in both England and Nigeria.
This particular blunder in 2010 may contribute to why Yakubu is not held in the same regard as some of his contemporaries. While it should not define his legacy, it has become part of the narrative surrounding his career.
