Related Post
Former Galatasaray midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has revealed why Nigerian footballers have consistently thrived in Turkey, saying the country feels like home to them, Soccernet.football reports.
Several Super Eagles stars have left their mark on Turkish football over the years. Jay-Jay Okocha, Joseph Yobo, and Emmanuel Emenike remain fan favourites at Fenerbahce, while Daniel Amokachi lifted the Turkish Cup and Super Cup with Besiktas.
Henry Onyekuru had three spells at Galatasaray, winning the league and cup double in 2019, while Victor Moses also enjoyed a stint in Istanbul.
Now, another Nigerian, Victor Osimhen, is leading the charge for Galatasaray, scoring crucial goals as they push for their 25th league title.
Etebo, now playing for Gençlerbirliği, says Nigerian players have always enjoyed their time in Turkey.
“I have hardly seen a Nigerian player who came to Turkey and was unhappy,” Etebo said as per Turkgun. “We love being here and we will continue to love it.”
Etebo was also full of praise for Osimhen, describing him as one of the world’s top strikers and backing his move to Galatasaray as a great decision.
“Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world. I think the football community also accepts this,” he said. “I think he did a good thing by coming to Galatasaray.”
The former Stoke City man revealed his strong bond with Osimhen, adding: “Osimhen is a very good friend of mine, both on and off the field. He is currently at Galatasaray, and I think he is having a good time.”
Etebo also recalled the heartbreak of missing out on the 2020-21 Turkish Super Lig title with Galatasaray. The club finished level on points with champions Besiktas but lost the title on goal difference.
“It was a great disappointment. Because you made it to the end of the league, the points in the last match are equal, you only lose the championship on goal difference,” he admitted.
Now at Gençlerbirliği, Etebo is playing a key role in their push for promotion back to the Turkish top flight.
