Yakubu to join Eagles in Maputo

Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni says he will pay his way to Maputo to support the Super Eagles when they take on Mozambique in the opening game of the final qualifying stage of the 2010 World Cup.

Yakubu, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury, says the sacrifice is to show his commitment to the World Cup qualifying dream.
 
"I may not be there to play, but I wish the boys all the best and I am going to pay my own ticket to Mozambique to cheer them to victory."
 
The forward is currently undergoing therapy following surgery, and it is not clear how Everton boss David Moyes will receive the news, but the Yak is undeterred.
 
"It is my country and the players need all the support to win. We all know the importance of qualifying for the World Cup and everybody is determined to make sure we qualify."
 
Yakubu also declared that he believes his absence will not be too much of a factor in the Eagles striking department.
 
"We have strikers who can score goals, like Martins, Ike and Osaze. We should all support them so that they can give their best to the country.
 
"Criticising players all the time does not allow them to give their best. Everybody should try to cheer them up so that the players will feel happy when they are representing the 
country."