The fine performance of new Stoke City man Oghenekaro Etebo in Nigeria’s 0-2 loss against Croatia at the ongoing World Cup 2018 in Russia has earned him praises from Ivan Rakitic.
The Barcelona man was up against the Nigerian in the game, but struggled to keep the Nigerian in check as the 22 year old set a new history at the World Cup for the highest number of take on in one game.
Etebo played as part of a three man midfield used by Nigeria in the game with the duo of captain Mikel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi also with him in the middle. However Rakitic has singled out Etebo as the man they had to keep in check during the game.
Rakitic made this known while speaking on the reason why he played very deep and didn’t venture forward in his usual manner during the course of the game despite their 2-0 win.
” I have to keep the number 8 (Etebo) far away from our goal and that is only possible if I play from a role a bit from the centre. It’s for the good of the team and at the end of it we got the result “, Rakitic told the Croatian media.
Michael James
