Former Super Eagles Striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has opened up on why he put up a smile despite missing an open opportunity that would have helped Nigeria to qualify to the round 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament that was held in South Africa.
It would be recalled that the Super Eagles were trailing 2-1 against South Korea and needing an outright win. An opportunity presented itself through Aiyegben following a cross from Yusuf Ayila. However, Aiyegbeni could not convert the chance as he played the ball by the side of the South Korean goalkeeper who was already beaten.
As if the miss was not enough, Aiyegbeni was spotted chewing a gum while putting up a smile. His attitude triggered some Nigerians to condemn the former player for the attitude.
However, Speaking to Joy Sports Link on Saturday ahead of the crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers Playoff between Nigeria and Ghana, Aiyegbeni explained that he was not really smiling.
According to him, people might have watched him with a smiling face but deep inside of him he was burning with regrets. He he said he was surprised how the ball didn’t get inside the net.
“When I look at the board for the replay, I was shocked. I was smiling but inside of me was burning.” he recalled.Â
