Joseph Yobo considers coming out of retirement

Babalola Tomiwa

Former Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo is considering to come out of retirement six months after he hanged his boot from active football.

The 34-year-old, who retired after Nigeria crashed out of the world cup in the round of 16 last played for Norwich City last season, following his switch from the Turkish side, Fenerbahce to England in August 2014 ending his contract by mutual consent.

But the free agent, who has not played competitively since last summer's World Cup in Brazil, believes he still has plenty to offer.

“I'll be the first to hang up my football boots if I feel I can no longer perform to the best of my ability or expectations”

"I have really looked after myself and I know I can still play at the top level," Yobo told BBC Sport.

"The most important thing is to stay in good shape and that's exactly what I have been doing.

"I still have some clubs who have shown significant interest in me.

"I'll be the first to hang up my football boots if I feel I can no longer perform to the best of my ability or expectations."

Yobo, is Nigeria's most capped player, appearing for the most populous black nation a hundred and one times following the Super Eagles' exit from the World Cup in Brazil.

The former Everton defender has been linked with a move to the English Championship and the MLS, but claims his priority will always be to put his family first.

"I've received different offers, and I know some clubs just want to have a look because of my inactivity," said Yobo.

"Their desire to see me is quite understandable; I just have to sort some few things and decide on what is appropriate.

"Before finalising anything I would have to consider my family first, but I seriously hope to return to action sooner rather than later."

Yobo was David Moyes' first signing as Everton manager in 2002 and became the first African player to captain the Toffees, in the 2007 Uefa Cup tie against Larissa at Goodison Park.

He made more than 250 appearances for Everton, helping them qualify for the Champions League in 2005 and playing in the side that lost the 2009 FA Cup final to Chelsea.

He sealed a permanent move to Fenerbahce in August 2012, from Everton, for an undisclosed fee having helped them to the league title and the Turkish Cup during a two-year loan spell.

His country's most capped player, Yobo won the first of his 100 caps for Nigeria against Zambia in Chingola in 2001, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 in a 13-year career.

Yobo featured in three World Cup tournaments in 2002, 2010 and 2014, playing ten matches at the World Cup finals in total - the most appearances for his country on the biggest stage. BBC