He added: “All my life I have thought about what it would be like to play in the World Cup and even when Nigeria were struggling and qualification looked unlikely I kept thinking about what a big chance this was and I knew we had to go through.

“I am now pleased not only for myself but also my family and the people back home in Nigeria because to go to the World Cup means everything.

“I know we have been written off already but they also didn’t think we would qualify but we still made it and it’s unbelievable.”

For Yobo it will be his second World Cup and after the pain of missing out in 2006 he can’t wait to lead the Super Eagles into battle. He said: “The atmosphere in the changing room after the match was great. It was probably the best I have seen with my national team because it was really hard for us to go through.

“We didn’t really know what to say to each other because we were all a bit shocked at first.

“It’s been a couple of days though now, so it’s started to sink in just what we’ve achieved and we can now look forward to the World Cup.

“I’m thrilled because I played at the World Cup in 2002 but then missed out in 2006 so this is another opportunity for me and I am delighted. I am really looking forward to next summer.”