Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has revealed that he still receives criticism for his infamous miss at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 16 years after the moment that has come to define his international career for many fans.
The miss, which came against Greece during the tournament, remains one of the most talked-about moments in Nigerian football history, and Yakubu admits the memory still lingers.
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“I still get abuse,” he said, highlighting the lasting impact of that single incident.
For the striker, the situation is particularly frustrating given his contributions to the national team over the years.
He pointed out that despite scoring important goals for Nigeria, many supporters continue to focus on that one moment rather than his overall performance.
“They don’t remember the goals,” he implied, expressing disappointment at how his legacy is often reduced to a single miss.
Yakubu also spoke about the immense pressure that comes with representing the national team, noting that expectations at international level are often far greater than in club football.
“It’s different playing for your country,” he explained, emphasizing the emotional and psychological demands placed on players.
For him, the 2010 World Cup moment is a reminder of how quickly perceptions can change in football.
One missed chance can overshadow years of hard work and achievement.
Despite the criticism, Yakubu’s career remains one of the most accomplished among Nigerian forwards, with numerous goals and contributions at both club and international levels.
However, his experience highlights a broader reality in football, that certain moments, whether positive or negative, can define how players are remembered.
As time passes, the hope is that his achievements will receive the recognition they deserve.
But for now, the memory of that miss remains.
A reminder that in football, moments can last forever.
