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Aiyegbeni Yakubu,
who scored one of the three goals against North Korea in the last
tune-up match for the Super Eagles played over the weekend, believes
the inclusion of Lukman Haruna could help the team in getting more
goals when the World Cup kick offs in South Africa on Friday.

“As for Haruna, I’m
not surprised with what he has so far achieved because he has been
training with us since 2008. In Angola (2010 Nations Cup), we had so
many defensive midfielders and it was difficult for the strikers. We
needed a creative midfielder and with what we have already seen, we
have found one. He will do more for the strikers,” Yakubu told
mtnfootball.com.

“He can do more to help this team even though I do not wish to put pressure on the young player.”

Mikel miss

Though the Everton
forward admitted that the Eagles will miss Chelsea midfielder John Obi
Mikel, who has been ruled out of the World Cup by injury, he has backed
Haruna to take his place and solve the problem the Super Eagles have
struggled with in recent years since the 2006 retirement of former
Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha.

“Mikel’s absence is
a big blow for us because he is a very good player, who has the
experience of playing on the big stage like the UEFA Champions League,
but we expect the other players to do their best and hopefully, we will
get the desired results,” said Yakubu.

Yakubu’s inclusion in the final list of players for South Africa 2010 has been questioned by some pundits.

However, it appears
he has silenced most of his critics with his clinical finish against
the North Koreans and is looking even more assured as the Super Eagles
set to face Argentina on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

“I’m in good shape, most probably the best shape of my life, for this World Cup,” he continued.

“The training under (Super Eagles coach Lars) Lagerback has been superb not only for me, but the entire team.

“The belief in the team now is that we can achieve something here.”