45 Caps Super Eagles Midfielder Explains Why He Joined Turkish Second Division Side

Nigeria midfield maestro and now Gençlerbirliği star Oghenekaro Etebo shares with the reason behind his move to the Second Division Club in Turkey.

This was despite several offers received from top clubs after his recovery. The midfielder general spoke to us about what motivated him to join Gençlerbirliği despite it being a second division club.

The conversations he had with the coaching staff that influenced his decision, how he think the move will have an impact on his career trajectory and how important the support from his family, agent and friends was in making this decision.

Navigating Doubt and Opportunity

Oghenekaro Etebo faced scepticism when he decided to join Gençlerbirliği, a second division club in Turkey.

“A lot of people were calling me, asking, ‘Why would you go to a second division club in Turkey?'” he told SportsBoom.com.

During his time training with the club, he had full access to their facilities and felt no issues. Hence, he felt there was a need for payback.

“From January till the end of the season, I didn’t pay for anything, and I trained with the group—100%.”

He said the coach had shared valuable insights with him before he left for Germany.

 The Importance of Respect

Etebo spoke about remembering the conversation he had with the previous coach, Sinan Kaloglu, who influenced his decision as well.

“He emphasized the importance of respecting the club.”

“He said that when a club opens its doors to you, a lot of people don’t know what happens behind the scenes. You have to respect them.”

“So, the coach told me that: ‘Etebo, I’d tell you something, even before you sign for any team, or before you go anywhere. Just remember that these guys are the ones that looked after you. So, it’s very important.”

He also touched on the influence of the words the club doctor spoke in his decision-making.

“Because I remember, every time the doctor would say to me; even if it is 6 months or 1 year, you have to wear this jersey, cos’ we looked after you, and all that.”

 A Legacy of Support

Before joining, Etebo received offers from various teams, including first division sides.

“I had options before I came here, I received offers from Israel and first division sides in Turkey.”

But he was also impressed by the support shown by the side and the deal offered to him.

“They knew I hadn’t played for a year. The money wasn’t that big, but it was just for me to be on the pitch and show that I’m back.”

Ultimately, it resulted in him signing a one-plus-one contract with Gençlerbirliği, noting, “It was so easy because they didn’t even put a buy-out clause.

“They really wanted to support me,” he said.

Etebo recognizes the club’s rich history and the values shown even from times past.

“They have a legacy of big players coming in, and they want to be known as the club that brought you back when you were down.”

He remembers the late Isaac Promise, a fellow Nigerian, as a point of reference, who remains highly respected within the club.

“They love him here so much, and they really respect him,” he concluded.

Impact on Career, Family and Friends in Support

The dynamic midfielder spoke about the impact the move will have on his career as well.

“The most important thing for me now is to play, and that I would do with the team.”

He also touched on the support from his agent in making the decision after he informed him.

“They informed me they wanted me to stay with them, I spoke to my agent about it, and we agreed as I have a very good relationship with them.”

“My family’s support was also crucial in getting the deal done.”