Former Super Eagles center-back Samuel Okeremute has encouraged midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo to make the most of his opportunity at Turkish club Gençlerbirliği S.K.
Etebo, who signed a two-year deal with the second-tier club, is looking to rebuild his career after struggling with an Achilles tendon injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a year.
The injury, which occurred in 2021, led to Etebo’s release from Stoke City and left him as a free agent for the 2023/2024 season. Now, with a fresh start in Turkey, Etebo has the chance to regain his form and demonstrate his talent on the pitch.
Okeremute, reflecting on his own experiences with injuries, expressed optimism about Etebo’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of staying fit and focused.
He acknowledged the challenges of returning to peak performance after an injury but stressed that Etebo has the potential to make a significant impact at his new club.
“Injury played a big part in my career as well. Once you’re injured, what’s on your mind is to play, irrespective of the club.
If you miss even six months of football, you’re not the same player. Just him playing at all is a cause of happiness, and for a club to give him a two-year contract, he must’ve done his medical, and they can certify that he can handle those two years of football,” said Okeremute.
He also pointed out the confidence Gençlerbirliği S.K. has shown in Etebo by offering him a two-year contract, suggesting that the club sees potential in the midfielder.
Okeremute encouraged Etebo to focus on his recovery and development, believing that with hard work and dedication, he can return to his best form and contribute significantly to the team’s success in the league.
The move to Gençlerbirliği S.K. presents a valuable opportunity for Etebo to reignite his career and prove his capabilities on the field, as he aims to make a strong impact and help the club achieve its goals