SUPER EAGLES strongman, Oghenekaro Peter Etebo did not mind spending some minutes of his special day-his birthday to chat with The Nation, even as he stated that nothing tickles him more than experiencing new things like playing in different leagues of Europe. Since he moved abroad from Warri Wolves, the rugged midfielder has played in England, Spain and now in Turkey.
Speaking exclusively with Morakinyo Abodunrin on November 9 2020, which, coincides with his 25th birthday, an elated Etebo said he has received several birthday wishes and gifts from his loved ones and well wishers. “Firstly, I just want to give thanks to God, it’s a thing of joy that I see another year, am so grateful to God. I have received different messages wishing me happy birthday. Like I said seeing today is a thing of joy and a privilege too so I keep giving thanks.”
Etebo later took to his Twitter handle to flaunt birthday gift from his wife, Bethel. Mrs Etebo had packaged a bottle of wine and naira notes to write ‘I love U’. The currencies were wrapped into an icon of love and a big letter U in a gift box delivered to the Nigerian star in the process. While thanking the mother of their two children (Wealth and Elo) for her gesture, he joked that he would have preferred she gave him dollars instead of naira.
Etebo who is in Nigeria for the first of the two-legged (Africa Cup of Nations) AFCON clashes between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, said his loan move to Galatasaray from Stoke City has been a ‘wonderful experience.’
He said: “It’s not actually like massive changes from one country to another because at the end of the day it is all about football. Of course, every league has its own characteristics but I want to tell you every league is tough be it in England, Spain or Turkey. I also love to try new things and it has been a wonderful experience for me playing in these places because as a footballer, you just have to adapt to any environment as a professional.”
Etebo spoke further on playing for country, settling down in Turkey among other things. Excerpts:
You have been involved with playing for Nigeria for some time now, what drives you and how passionate are you playing for Nigeria?
I am very excited because many players want to represent the country and here I’m having the opportunity. It is something one should be proud of and that is why I tried as much as possible to do my best. It’s my job to make sure I do my best and play with passion; it’s very important to give my all at all times and this has been a motivating factor for me right from day one. Whatever I am doing, I just want to try and give my best.
How well have you settled down with your present club in Turkey?
Going to a new club, you need to adapt and that has never been a problem for me, that has never been a problem, if you are to be a professional you need to settle well in every place you found yourself, so I just want to continue like that.
I know it’s still in early days to ask, what are the things you want to do after playing because you will stop playing one day?
To be honest, I have not considered that but I would put it into consideration. I still have to plan ahead and think about which way and what to do after playing, I still haven’t put anything into consideration but before my retirement I will definitely do that.
Etebo, what are things, that makes you happy?
I would say my family because when I see them around me am always happy, I know where I came from and how things were so they always motivates me and bring the best out of me.
A lot of younger boys in Nigeria would be looking forward to emulate players like Etebo and some other Super eagles players , what kind of advice can you give to this young players?
Like they say success is not an easy route, so the thing is you still have to keep your head high and be calm. Although it’s not going to be easy, make sure you keep doing what you know how to do best and make sure you put in more effort, if you are on the right track you will definitely make headway and make sure you make a lot of sacrifice too and believe in God and yourself.
This year 2020 had been a challenging year for everybody, what are the lessons you have learned personally out of the crisis of COVID-19?
We just have to thank God because everything only by the grace of God. I agreed that this year has been challenging but we still have to give thanks and nobody can tell what is ahead of many years to come, so we believe everything will be fine.
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