Yakubu Aiyegbeni speaks on the 2004 AFCON issue

A former Super Eagles striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, has finally spoken out about the controversy that saw him, Victor Agali, and Celestine Babayaro sent home from Nigeria’s squad during the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Yakubu claimed that they were wrongly accused of breaking camp rules. He said they did not get a chance to defend themselves before being ordered to leave the tournament.

He explained that he, Agali, and Babayaro had returned to their room after spending time downstairs. Later, officials questioned where they had been.

In an interview with Nigerian sports host and YouTube creator AY Suga, monitored by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, Yakubu said, “We didn’t break the camp.” He insisted the decision to send them home was made before they had a meeting with officials.

Yakubu recalled going back to his room after being told to pack his things. He was shocked to see a TV report saying he and Agali had been sent home for allegedly breaking camp rules.

He found this surprising because the media report came out almost immediately after the officials told them their fate. Yakubu was so upset that he told the authorities he would quit international football.

Later, officials visited his home to apologize and convinced him to return to the Super Eagles. Yakubu reflected on how disappointed he was that none of his teammates spoke up for them or challenged the decision.

The former striker said the incident has become part of his experience with the national team. He mentioned that he has since moved on from it.

The controversy around the departure of Yakubu, Agali, and Babayaro from the 2004 AFCON still gets discussed in Nigerian football. Recent reports also state that they were sent home for alleged indiscipline.