Breakthrough for Oghenekaro Etebo at last: Gençlerbirliği agree deal for clubless Super Eagles midfielder

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo’s many troubles are nearing an end as his time without a club is drawing to a close, Soccernet.ng reports.

A regular for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Etebo spent last season at Aris Saloniki on loan from Stoke City.

He impressed with the Greek side, making 28 appearances in all competitions, and was set to join the club permanently at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the former Watford star suffered an injury, and Aris passed up the chance to sign him.

Etebo’s contract with Stoke City also expired in July, meaning he was a free agent at the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

Gençlerbirliği were close to securing the services of Etebo during the winter, but the Red and Black pulled out of the deal after it became clear that the Nigerian star was not completely healed from his injury.

With Etebo deemed unfit to immediately contribute to the team following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Gençlerbirlıki moved instead to sign Cameroonian midfielder James Lea Siliki on the final day of the January transfer window.

However, recent reports reveal that Gençlerbirlıki have not given up on their pursuit of Etebo.

A preliminary protocol has been established for the next season, with negotiations underway for the Nigerian midfielder to move to Ankara this summer. If all goes well and Etebo proves his fitness, he is expected to sport the Gençlerbirlıki jersey next term.

A seasoned veteran at 28, Etebo boasts an impressive resume, having featured for Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, and English clubs, including Feirense, Las Palmas, Getafe, Galatasaray, Watford, and Stoke City.