EVERTON striker Yakubu admits he is relishing the prospect of locking horns with some familiar faces at next summer’s World Cup finals.

The 26-year-old helped Nigeria book their ticket to South Africa in dramatic fashion last weekend as he scored in their 3-2 victory over Kenya.

Tunisia’s defeat at the hands of Mozambique enabled the Super Eagles, who are skippered by Yakubu’s Goodison team-mate Joseph Yobo, to clinch their group’s only qualification spot.

The pair will boost a sizeable Everton contingent at the World Cup and Yakubu is hoping Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will secure his passage when Russia take on Slovenia in the second leg of their play-off tonight.

The Everton winger scored twice in Moscow last weekend to give the Russians a slender 2-1 lead.

Yakubu said: “People back home in Nigeria were so happy and they started the celebrations.

“It’s not easy for Nigeria to qualify and we knew we were fighting to qualify so everyone is so pleased.

“There will be many Everton players in South Africa like Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Tim Howard. Billy could be there too as Russia are in the play-offs and I hope they go through for him.

“To play in the World Cup is everyone’s dream so I am pleased I have the opportunity.

“It’s also a chance to play alongside some of the best players in the world and you know you’ve got to perform.

“I have to now focus and remain fit so I can keep my dream alive.”

The Nigerian duo have returned to Finch Farm to prepare for Saturday’s trip to Manchester United but Yakubu admits the significance of what they achieved in Nairobi is still sinking in.