Everton FC striker Yakubu delighted as Nigeria head for World Cup

Mikel Arteta and Yakubu 460DELIGHTED Everton striker Yakubu was quick to share the plaudits after his goal helped Nigeria secure their passage to next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.The Blues frontman and clubmate Joseph Yobo played starring roles as the Super Eagles fought back from a goal down to beat Kenya 3-2 in a dramatic showdown in Nairobi.Their destiny wasn't in their own hands but Group B leaders Tunisia crashed to a 1-0 defeat in Mozambique which allowed Nigeria to finish a point clear and clinch the only qualification place."I want to give praise to God and my fellow players for making this happen," Yakubu said."It is a collective effort not just we, the goal scorers, but every player because without them we would not have been able to score on our own."Nigeria trailed at half-time but former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins levelled on the hour shortly after a shot from skipper Yobo had struck the bar.Yakubu soon made it 2-1, converting the rebound after his initial shot hit the post, but when Kenya equalised on 78 minutes the Blues duo were facing World Cup heartbreak.However, Nigeria responded and Martins grabbed the winner seven minutes from time to trigger scenes of jubilation.Team official Peterside Idah revealed Yobo was among a number of players who broke down in tears."The dressing room was unbelievable," he said.

Source: Liverpool_Echo