No player has ever reached a century of games for the Super Eagles.
Former defender Taribo West says Joseph Yobo deserves his 100th Nigeria cap after being excluded by coach Stephen Keshi.
Yobo is currently stuck on 99 appearances for the Super Eagles after playing a bit-part role at the 2013 Africa Cup Of Nations triumph in South Africa but the centre-back hasn’t been selected for the national since.
West believes the Fenerbache man deserves the honour of being the first Nigerian to reach a century of games for his country and urged Keshi to bring him back into the squad.
“We should honour Yobo by ensuring that he gets his 100th cap for his country. We should celebrate someone, who in the history of our football, has played to that level of football,” the ex-Inter Milan star told Punch.
“I am not begging Keshi to invite him because he deserves a recall to the squad after the World Cup qualifier against Malawi. Youngsters Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona need to understudy him.”
The 39-year-old bemoaned Nigeria’s current lack of defensive experience and is adamant that Yobo, formerly of Premier League side Everton, should not be overlooked.
“I don’t think Yobo has reached his peak,” West added. “So, why has he been left out? I can’t compare the current players with him, at least we watch him play in Europe. He can still play at this level for up to six years.”
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