Super Eagles’ midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has been voted as the the South West Stokies Stoke City Player of the Year in his first season at the club. He has put up several decent performances for the Potters and South West Stokies, the official supporters’ club for all Stoke fans based in the South West of England rewarded the midfielder for his efforts.
The 23-year-old midfielder who joined the Potters from Portuguese outfit CD Feirense last summer was beaten to the club’s best player award by goalkeeper Jack Butland, but took home SW Stokies’ top gong.
The midfielder who represented the Super Eagles’ of Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia joined the English side in the summer of 2018.
He took to social media to revel in his triumph, appreciating the fans for their support. “It’s a thing of joy winning the SW Stoke City player of the year and I just want to use the opportunity to appreciate the fans for their support, though we did not achieve our main target for the season.”
“But we still need to keep up the positivity that’s why we all love the game!!! Once again respect from my heart to you guys,” Etebo wrote on Instagram.
Etebo started out at Warri Wolves where he spent three years before moving into European football with Portuguese side Feirense. He helped the side gain promotion to the Primeira Liga and establish themselves as a top-flight club.
Etebo had a six month loan spell at Spanish side Las Palmas in the 2017–18 season. Etebo joined English side Stoke City in June 2018 for a fee of £6.35 million.
On Sunday, Etebo was in action as Stoke played out a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United in the season finale, with the Potters ending in a disappointing 16th position and set for a second straight season in the Championship.
It’s a thing of joy winning the SW Stoke City player of the year ? and I just want to use the opportunity to appreciate the Fans for their support? though we didn’t achieve our goals and main target for the season #Etebo#TheBestInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/ZNPdndMX1c
— Sammy Wejinya (@samywejinya) May 5, 2019
The midfielder was a key part of Nathan Jones’ setup, making 37 appearances with two goals to his name. His performances earned him praise from players, fans and even the opposition.
After the amazing season that Etebo has enjoyed, he would hope to bring his form to the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this summer. The Stoke midfielder is set to help Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations billed to kickoff on June 21. The Super Eagles will hope to navigate past Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar to seal a place in the knockouts.