Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo is proud to play a crucial role in Stoke City’s 1-0 away win against Blackburn Rovers at the Ewood Park on Saturday, reports Completesports.com.
Etebo scored the decisive goal, a rasping strike from 18 yards that gave Blackburn keeper David Raya no chance.
While the Nigeria international is thrilled to be the match hero for his side, he is particularly delighted that the goal helped Nathan Jones’ men secure the maximum points in the game.
“It was just a direct strike. I shot it well and I’m happy about it, but it’s not about the goal,” Etebo told Stoke City’s official website.
“I’ve always had the mentality that what is always most important is for my team to win, to get the three points. While a goal is important, if you score and you don’t win, what is it for?”
The scoreline who have been more emphatic had former Barcelona forward Bojan Kryjic scored from the spot late in the first half.
That means just three of Stoke’s last 13 penalties have been converted, a dreadful record that has some fans suggesting the Potters are cursed.
Asked if he would be prepared to take Stoke’s next penalty, he said: “Well I am a penalty taker. And one thing I believe is that if you feel you will score then you should just get on with it because taking a penalty is all about confidence.
“So taking a penalty, I don’t have a problem with that, but also I have no problem with a team-mate taking it. It’s all about taking the points for the team.
“If a player is asked to take a penalty then we all have to encourage them because it’s all about having confidence.”
By Adeboye Amosu
