Revealed: Samson Siasia Panicked And Should Not Have Subbed Out Etebo

Oghenekaro Etebo has explained the circumstances that led to his substitution in the second half of the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday night.

Many fans had their hearts in their mouths when the Dream Team VI star was stretchered off the pitch in the 64th minute after coming off worse in a duel with an Egyptian player.

It appears that Super Eagles interim coach Samson Siasia did not get it right when he quickly substituted the former Warri Wolves star as the player admitted that he was fine after receiving treatment and television images confirmed as much.

Speaking through his agent, Etebo said to allnigeriasoccer.com: “I felt pain in the neck after I fell awkwardly. The Egyptian player shoved me as we went for the ball and I was dazed when I fell.

“When I was attended to at the sidelines I recovered, I am very fine now. I am just taking some ample rest, I’ll soon resume training.”

The 20-year-old is presently on his way to Warri from Benin City after earning two caps for the senior national team in the month of March.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel