Yakubu to captain Nigeria against S.Africa

English Premiership outfit Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni will captain Nigeria against South Africa in this weekend's 2010 World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifier in Port Elizabeth, officials disclosed on Wednesday.

“In the absence of team skipper Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo, Yakubu is the most experienced player in the squad and so he will lead the team out on Saturday,” said team official, Peterside Idah.

Yakubu, scorer of 16 goals in his 43 appearances since first being capped in 2000, will have a hefty responsibility as the side will be without several key players like Kanu, Yobo, Obi Mikel and Obafemi Martins, who are all injured.

Nigeria's Super Eagles lead Group Four of the qualifying tournament for both the World Cup and Nations Cup with maximum 12 points from four matches.

South Africa – who need not worry about World Cup qualification as they are hosting the event – are second with four points ahead of third-placed Sierra Leone.