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Transfer deadline day saw a number of Nigerians head to Spain, although only one has already proved that he has the quality to star in one of the world's toughest leagues.
Oghenekaro Etebo and Emmanuel Emmenike joined Las Palmas on loan from Feirense and Olympiakos respectively, while Brown Ideye and Isaac Success also sealed temporary moves from Tianjin TEDA and Watford to Malaga. Imoh Ezekiel also recently joined La Union Deportiva as a free agent as the nation's influx of talent into Spain continues apace.
Amidst the five Nigerians making late moves to the Iberian nation, it's Etebo who stands out from the rest as definitely boasting the quality required to be a huge hit in Spain.
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The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist made his debut for his new side against Malaga on February 5, and put in a stellar performance, bossing the midfield with his movement, distribution and workrate. He also claimed the man of the match and made the team of the week as Las Palmas earned a 1-0 win.
The 22-year old was equally impressive in his second league appearance, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw at Basque giants Athletic Bilbao.
Paco Jemez’s side currently languish in 18th place, two points from safety, and host Sevilla at lunchtime this Saturday. With Etebo’s presence however, the Canary Islands outfit will be hopeful of playing in the Primera Division next season, and not the Segunda Division.
"I'm ready to play, but it all depends on the coach," Etebo told Las Palmas' website after officially joining the club. "I'm ready, I'm fit, I did not come to be on the bench, but it all depends on the coach. I am comfortable as an extreme. I came to help the team.
“I do not care if I score or if I assist what I want is for my team to get the three points."
Etebo is indeed a bundle of talent, starring on the local scene with Warri Wolves before going on to dazzle at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as the Dream Team VI took the bronze medal. His four goals in the emphatic 5-4 win over Japan was one of the highlights at the showpiece event.
At Feirense, Etebo has played 41 times in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, scoring six goals and making four assists. His 1,905 minutes on the pitch during the 2016/17 season were crucial as the Santa Maria da Feira outfit finished an incredible eighth having gained top-flight promotion for the first time since 2012.
Etebo can play in multiple positions, from centre forward to wide roles to a deeper position in midfield. He’s had a knack of scoring goals in the past but he has been utilised more often as a defensive midfielder thanks to his high workrate, ability to intercept, and make clean tackles.
His discipline also makes him an asset; he's only ever been booked six times in the Portuguese top flight, without ever getting sent off.
Just before his temporary move to the Canary Islands, Etebo had made 504 passes with an accuracy of 77%, creating 15 chances. He also made 15 tackles and achieved an impressive 64.10% successful take-on rate. With 21 clearances and 10 interceptions, Etebo made no defensive errors or errors leading to goals. This says so much about his calm and composure and ability to deliver under intense pressure.
Etebo was part of the Super Eagles squad that went through the entire 2018 World Cup qualifiers unbeaten. He formed a solid partnership with captain John obi Mikel in the 3-1 demolition of Algeria, assisting the former Chelsea man for the game’s second goal.
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However, since then, Etebo has not started any game for the national team and it is rather a surprise, as the Nigerian midfield doesn’t necessarily have the best pairing when Wilfred Ndidi or Ogenyi Onazi plays beside Mikel.
It is certain that Etebo will make the Russia squad if fit, but coach Gernot Rohr must not overlook the qualities of a player he deemed key to his plans after starring at the Rio Olympics.
Nigeria has had youngsters in the past who have failed to kick on from promising starts to their career, but Etebo's early impact in Spain is clear evidence that he's the real deal and that he's destined to be a success in one of Europe's major leagues.
