According to Soccerng.com, Etebo managed just 42 minutes of football throughout the 2025/26 campaign, and now the 30-year-old is determined to make a fresh start with Turkish side Genclerbirligi and prove he still has plenty to offer at club and international level.
A ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during training ruled Etebo out for almost the entire season, while further muscle setbacks delayed his return to action.
The injury nightmare restricted him to a solitary appearance on the opening day of the Turkish Super Lig season against Samsunspor, where he was forced off after just 42 minutes.
His lengthy spell on the sidelines also extended his absence from the Super Eagles, with the former Stoke City midfielder now having gone more than three years without representing Nigeria.
Despite the personal disappointment, Etebo watched as Genclerbirligi completed a dramatic escape from relegation. The Ankara outfit secured their place in the Turkish top flight with a crucial 3-0 victory over Trabzonspor on the final day of the season.
As preparations begin for the new campaign, Etebo has made it clear that his focus is on helping the club move forward after a turbulent year on and off the pitch.
"No one wants to experience the difficulties we faced last season. We left behind a very complicated season with many coaching and presidency changes and elections," he said, as quoted by Soccerng.com.
"But no matter what, we managed to stay in the league, even if it was in the last match."
The midfielder also called on supporters to remain patient, saying the responsibility lies with the players to restore the fortunes of the historic club.
Etebo's determination to return to his best is hardly surprising given the heights he has reached during his career. He earned 44 caps for Nigeria, played every group-stage match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and etched his name into the history books at the 2016 Rio Olympics by scoring four goals against Japan as Nigeria went on to claim the bronze medal.
Now back in full training, Etebo's biggest challenge is turning the page on a frustrating chapter. A successful return to regular football could not only revive Genclerbirligi's ambitions but also put the experienced midfielder back in contention for a long-awaited Super Eagles recall with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers coming up.
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