YAK laud NPL players

Blackburn Rovers hotshot Yakubu has hailed NPL stars like Ejike Uzoenyi and Godfrey Oboabona for their displays for the Eagles recently. Uzoenyi, Oboabona and Azubuike Egwuekwe started a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda in February, alongside Europe- based stars like Yakubu and Osaze Odemwingie. "I was really impressed with what Ejike Uzoenyi, Godfrey Oboabona and Azu Egwueke did in Kigali against Rwanda and am sure they have opened the door for others to play in the Super Eagles with such good performances,” said Yakubu, who is now six goals short of scoring 100 goals in the EPL. “These were things that we enjoyed too while I played with Julius Berger in the local league and that explains why I try to do my little bit to encourage the players when I get the chance as was the case with last season's top scorer Jude Aneke.” The Blackburn Rovers star was a one-time NPL hotshot and he rewarded last season's top scorer in the NPL Jude Aneke with $1000 and a golden boot for his heroics. The Eagles striker further said what was most crucial in friendlies played by the home- based players was the experience and exposure rather than results. "We must not dwell so much on the results of the friendly matches whether they are very good or very bad,” he said. “The most important thing is that these games are being played and the home based stars are gaining valuable experience and exposure that will make them better players. "They should be very grateful to the Nigeria Football Federation and coach Stephen Keshi for giving them these opportunities and they must seize them to better their careers.”