Turkish Super Lig: Super Eagles' 'Pogba' ruled out of season, concerns grow over future

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Peter Etebo is set to miss the remainder of the Turkish Süper Lig season with Gençlerbirliği, Afrik-Foot reports.

Etebo has found a home at Gençlerbirliği since joining as a free agent in 2024. He quickly earned the captain’s armband and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Süper Lig last season.

Entering the current campaign, Etebo was expected to be the catalyst of the team’s survival efforts.

Former Super Eagles mainstay Oghenekaro Etebo explains transfer to Turkish division 2 club — Photo by IMAGO

However, he managed just 42 minutes of play before disaster struck. While contesting for the ball, the midfielder suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that required immediate surgery.

According to Gençlerbirliği Haber Ajansı, there were initial fears that the injury could be career-threatening.

Fortunately, Etebo has been progressing through his rehabilitation and recently returned to the pitch for light training. Despite this progress, the report confirms he will play no further part in the current season.

Forgotten Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo moves to Turkkey — Oghenekaro Etebo in action. Photo by Imago

He is expected to regain full fitness just in time for the club’s 2025/26 pre-season preparations.

Career at a Crossroads: The “Super Eagles ‘Pogba” vs. Injury Woes

Peter Etebo once carried the weight of immense expectation, tipped by many to become Nigeria’s next great midfield general.

At one stage, the 30-year-old’s physical presence and technical ability even earned him comparisons to former Manchester United star Paul Pogba.

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo and Argentina Lionel Messi during the match Nigeria - Argentinia 1-2 — Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo and Argentina Lionel Messi

However, his journey through England, Spain, Greece, and Turkey has been defined more by the treatment table than his on-pitch brilliance.

This latest layoff is among the longest of his career. Etebo has been sidelined since last August, sparking genuine concerns about his long-term durability.

Nonetheless, there remains hope that he can be fit as a fiddle to lead his side once more. For now, the Black Scorpions must fight on without their captain.

They currently sitting 15th in the Süper Lig and are hovering just two points above the relegation zone. They face a tough battle to avoid the drop with only six matches remaining.