Former English Premier League club, Stoke City have announced their signing of World Cup-bound Super Eagles midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo from CD Feirense of Portugal, in a deal said to be worth 7.2m euros (about £6.35m).
The former Warri Wolves battler, who was only on Sunday named among rookie players likely to set tongues wagging at this year’s World Cup, makes the move to join Stoke this summer after a successful spell on loan this past season with Las Palmas of Spain.
However, with Las Palmas having been relegated to Segunda Liga, Etebo was bound to move on, but it is still a measure of surprise that he will take after Shola Ameobi, Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses as the next Nigerian to line out for The Potters.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who will be at the upcoming World Cup with Nigeria, has signed a five-year contract.
Etebo has been capped 14 times by Nigeria and came off the bench during the recent friendly against England at Wembley.
Stoke boss, Gary Rowett said: “We’re really excited to have got the deal over the line for Etebo.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Stoke City shirt, as I’m sure our supporters are too. Etebo is a very mobile, energetic midfielder and he’s a great age.
“He has played in the top divisions in Portugal and Spain and, of course, he’s heading into the World Cup with Nigeria, which will be an amazing experience for him.”
Chief executive Tony Scholes added: “We are delighted Etebo has chosen to join Stoke City, becoming our first signing of the summer.
“I’m particularly pleased that he took the time to look beyond our current league status and understand who we are as a club, before choosing us ahead of current Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.”
Despite the deal coming through, Etebo said he is staying focussed on helping Nigeria do well at the World Cup.
He admitted that the Super Eagles are not yet a finished product, but stressed that they are improving ahead of their opening game at the World Cup against Croatia on Saturday.
Etebo said: ”We are improving every day, and there is a room to improve. Every training session, like the friendly games, it is important for the team, it is important that we know our weakness. We are improving every day.”
