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Yakubu Aiyegbeni, the Nigerian football icon, rose to prominence with his remarkable goal-scoring abilities in Europe and for the Nigerian national team. From a humble beginning in Nigeria to becoming a household name in football, Yakubu's legacy continues to inspire many aspiring players.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, often simply known as Yakubu, is a Nigerian former professional footballer renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence on the pitch. This article delves into his career highlights, achievements, and the impact he made in the world of football.
Who is Yakubu Aiyegbeni?
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni, nicknamed "The Yak," is a retired Nigerian footballer who played as a striker. He began his career with Julius Berger FC in Nigeria before moving to Israeli club Hapoel Kfar Saba. His impressive performances attracted attention, leading to a move to Europe to play for Maccabi Haifa in 2003. Known for his strength and finishing, he became the fourth-highest African goalscorer in Premier League history with 96 goals. After his playing career, he transitioned into the role of a football agent.
How old is Yakubu Aiyegbeni?
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni was born on November 22, 1982, making him 41 years old as of the time of writing this.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's State of Origin
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni hails from Benin City, Edo State, in Nigeria. Edo is a state in the south-south geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As of 2006 national population census, the state was ranked as the 24th most populous state in Nigeria. The estimated state population is around 4,777,000 in 2022.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's Wife
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni married Yvonne Lameen Ikhana, the daughter of former Nigerian footballer and ex-Enyimba coach Kadiri Ikhana, back in 2008. They are blessed with two daughters, Kayla and Katriel.
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni's club career
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni's club career was a journey across continents, marked by impressive goal tallies. It began in Israel with Maccabi Haifa, where his Champions League performances earned him a loan move to Portsmouth in England. The loan turned permanent after Portsmouth secured Premier League promotion, and Yakubu became a key striker. He continued his goal-scoring form at Middlesbrough and later at Everton, solidifying his place as a Premier League force.
Despite a loan spell at Leicester City, Everton remained his home for several seasons. A move to Blackburn Rovers followed, adding another Premier League club to his resume. Yakubu's career extended beyond England, with stints in China with Guangzhou City FC and Turkey with Kayserispor. Though his later years saw less playing time, his overall club career stands out for his consistent goal threat and impact across various teams.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's Premier League goals
Yakubu Aiyegbeni carved his name into Premier League history with a staggering 96 goals across 252 appearances. While never quite reaching the "golden boot" heights, his consistency across four different clubs (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn) cemented his reputation as a prolific scorer.
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His early days at Portsmouth saw him become the club's all-time Premier League top scorer with 16 goals in a single season, a record that still stands. At Everton, the iconic chant "Feed the Yak! He will score!" resonated through Goodison Park as he notched up 15 goals in his debut season.
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While injuries hampered his progress at times, Yakubu's peak came with Blackburn Rovers in the 2011–12 season. He bagged a career-best 17 goals, showcasing his predatory instincts in the box. Though his later years saw a decline, Yakubu's Premier League goal tally remains a testament to his finishing prowess and his status as a Premier League cult hero.
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Yakubu is among the top African scorers in the PL and the highest-scoring Nigerian in the competition's history.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's Stats
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's career boasts impressive statistics across clubs and international appearances. Here's a breakdown:
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Club Level:
Premier League: 96 goals in 288 appearances (4th highest African scorer)
Championship: 35 goals in 74 appearances
Other Leagues: Over 100 goals across spells in Turkey, China, and Qatar
International Level:
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Nigeria: 21 goals in 58 appearances (3rd highest scorer)
World Cup: 1 goal in 3 appearances
Accolades:
Premier League Golden Boot Runner-up (2003-04)
Pompey Player of the Season (2003-04)
Top Scorer: Portsmouth all-time Premier League Goals (28 goals)
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These stats paint a picture of a prolific striker. While not known for a high assist rate, Yakubu's strength lay in converting chances and leading the line. He remains a legend at Portsmouth and a respected figure in Premier League history.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's miss
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni's name is etched in Nigerian football history, but not entirely for the reasons he might have hoped. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa threw him into the spotlight for a different kind of moment - a glaring miss against South Korea.
With Nigeria needing a win to progress, the score was 2-1 to South Korea. A cross found Yak unmarked in the six-yard box, seemingly with an empty net to tap into. Inexplicably, his close-range effort ballooned over the bar. The commentator labelled it "the worst missed chance of this World Cup or any other for that matter."
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This miss became a national talking point. While Yakubu later claimed disbelief and insisted it wasn't deliberate, the image of the squandered opportunity continues to haunt Nigerian fans and remains a reminder of what could have been for the Super Eagles at that World Cup.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni's Net Worth
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who played for Everton and Middlesbrough during his illustrious career, is among Nigeria's wealthiest ex-footballers.
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Sources estimate his net worth to be between £15 million and £20 million, solidifying his position among the top 10 richest footballers to hail from Nigeria.
Legacy and Retrospect
After retiring from professional football, Yakubu Aiyegbeni remains a revered figure in Nigerian and African football history. His goal-scoring records and impact on the field have left a lasting legacy. He continues to inspire upcoming talents and is involved in various philanthropic endeavours.
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