Ex-Everton midfielder Hope Akpan has predicted exciting times ahead for Nigerian football following the appointment of his former teammate Joseph Yobo as the assistant coach of the Super Eagles.

The out-of-favour Super Eagles star noted that Yobo is a good fit for the job given his experience with the national team in the past and outstanding career at club level.

"I have known Joseph Yobo for ever ten years, I know how much of a model professional footballer he was during his time at Everton," Akpan said in an Instagram conversation with Team Nigeria UK monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

"I know the sort of character he has and the standards he set, so for him to now be assistant manager of the Super Eagles it is a good fit, I am sure he's one of the most capped players for Nigeria.

"He had a stellar career, went to at least two World Cups, captained Nigeria for so many years. He has got the experience, and then he is young enough to connect with the young players.

"It's exciting times for Nigerian football, in the last three or four years in the buildup to the World Cup.

"There is a young team, young players who have got talent. With the right coaching, with the right mindset they can go far."

Liverpool-born Akpan departed Everton in 2011, a year before Yobo left the Toffees for Fenerbahce on a permanent deal.

Igho Kingsley