Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has suffered an injury setback during Genclerbirligi’s opening match of the Turkish Super Lig season.
The 29-year-old, who captained the Ankara side in their first top-flight game since promotion, was forced off before half-time in a 2-1 defeat away to Samsunspor on Saturday.
Etebo had been one of Genclerbirligi’s brightest performers before overstretching in a tackle in the 42nd minute, just five minutes after his team had fallen behind to a penalty.
Second-half goals from Carlo Holse and Metehan Miraloglu completed the scoring, but the visitors were unable to recover from their captain’s departure.
READ MORE: cafcl-rivers-united-remo-stars-face-tough-paths-to-group-stage
The club has not yet confirmed the severity of the injury, but it is believed to be a muscle problem that could keep Etebo out for several weeks.
Super Eagles midfielder Etebo in action for Genclerbirligi in the Turkish Super Lig season opener against Samsunspor. Photo Credit:X
Capped 45 times by Nigeria, Etebo was part of the Super Eagles’ 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, starting all three group matches including a victory over Iceland before narrow defeats to Croatia and Argentina.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, he famously scored four goals in Nigeria’s opening match against Japan, which ended 5–4.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Etebo began his professional career with Warri Wolves in the Nigeria Premier League before moving to Portugal with Feirense, helping them gain promotion to the Primeira Liga.
He has since played in Spain, England, and Turkey, including a spell with Galatasaray.
