New signing at Stoke City of England singing, Oghenekaro Etebo is inching closer to a starting shirt with the Super Eagles against Croatia, following his sterling form in training.
In the wake of his signing with The Potters, the former Warri Wolves star has stepped up his efforts at the national team’s camp and now looks set to start on Saturday against Croatia in defensive midfield alongside Leicester City star, Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi.
A lot has since been expected of this former Feirense of Portugal star at full international level and there is no bigger a stage than the World Cup for him to announce himself.
At 22, he has a big engine, armed with a good shot and has shown over time that he knows his way to goal.
His two inspired strikes in the championship game against Algeria also won Nigeria the U23 AFCON crown in Dakar, Senegal, three years ago.
He was the talisman for coach Samson Siasia at both the U23 AFCON and the Rio Olympics even when he struggled with a niggling knee injury.
Last season, he made 14 appearances for Las Palmas including a five-star display against eventual champions Barcelona, and is also remembered for firing a record four goals past Japan at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, where Nigeria won bronze.
