AFCON 2025
Former Nigeria international, Yakubu Aiyegbeni has opened up on his early struggles at Blackburn Rovers, recalling the frustration of being sidelined before eventually making a decisive impact.
In a chat with Clutch.9ine, Yakubu spoke candidly about his determination during his time in the Premier League.
Yakubu joined Blackburn Rovers on a three-year deal in August 2011 from Leicester City. He admitted he spent much of his initial period on the bench, feeling frustrated but refusing to let it derail his focus.
“I wasn’t playing. I was on the bench most of the time. I was frustrated. I kept asking myself, ‘Why am I not playing?’” Yakubu said. “But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept working hard in training. I made sure the manager saw that I was ready whenever he needed me.”
Yakubu joined Blackburn in August 2011 from Leicester City but initially struggled for game time. His breakthrough came on September 17, 2011, when he scored twice on his Premier League debut in a dramatic 4-3 win over Arsenal at Ewood Park. The result marked Blackburn’s first victory of the season, with Yakubu’s brace playing a key role in the comeback.
Reflecting on the moment in the interview, the striker described the goals as special, both personally and for the supporters.
“Then one day, I got my chance. I came on as a substitute and scored. After that, I started playing more regularly. I established myself in the team. that goal was special. The fans loved it. It was a great moment for me and the team.”
He went on to finish his debut season as the club’s top scorer, netting 18 goals in all competitions despite Blackburn’s relegation. His immediate impact earned him cult-hero status among fans, who famously sang, “Feed the Yak and he will score.”
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards, Yakubu scored 95 Premier League goals across spells with Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn, a record that still stands for a Nigerian player.
