It has been revealed that the Super Eagles midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo has finally been given a reason to smile after playing a part in his side’s defeat to Croatia in their Russia 2018 Group D clash on Saturday.
Etebo, making his World Cup debut, was unlucky to score an own goal to give Croatia the lead before William Troost-Ekong gifted the Europeans a penalty for their second in the 2-0 defeat.
However, new Stoke City signing Etebo was one of Nigeria’s few standout players in the clash.
Statistics have now backed up his excellent showing, rating him as the most proficient player in terms of take-ons in the whole competition so far.
“Oghenekaro Etebo has completed the most take-ons in a single game at the 2018 #WorldCup after the first four days.
"• 9 attempted • 9 completed. Perfect dribbling display,” football statistics outlet Squawka tweeted on Sunday.
The stat confirms that Etebo has outdone Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the dribbling stakes so far in Russia.
Messi completed eight of 13 attempted take-ons in Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland on Saturday.