A former African Footballer of the Year,
Victor Ikpeba has said it was wrong for Godfrey Oboabona not to have
accepted to undergo trials with English Premier League side Arsenal. But
another Nigeria ex-international Mutiu Adepoju believes the defender
took the right stand in rejecting to undergo trials instead of a direct
contract negotiation.
Oboabona had said it was disrespectful
for Arsenal to ask him to undergo trials after what he had achieved with
the Super Eagles especially at the 2013 Africa Nations Cup.
But Ikpeba, who played under Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at French club Monaco, said the Sunshine Stars captain got it wrong.
Ikpeba told MTNFootball.com,
“Oboabona was wrongly advised, he should have gone for the trials even
if he does not make it into Arsenal, another English side would have
seen him.
“I know he would say he has won the
AFCON and plays for Sunshine Stars but he should understand that it’s
not the same way these European coaches view European and South America
players they view African players. Yes, we have talent but you need to
understand how they play, adjust to their weather and a lot of things,
so I think he should have gone for the trials because I know Wenger has a
lot of respect for African players.”
But Adepoju who played professionally in Spain for many years told newsmen that Oboabona had played long enough for the national team for Wenger and his assistant to take a decision on the player.
Adepoju said, “He (Oboabona) has passed
that level having played for the national team and especially playing a
major role in winning the African cup. Trials are meant for players who
have not established themselves at that level. I am not sure that Wenger
would ask any South American player featuring in his national team to
go through trials.
“I know it is a great opportunity to
play for Arsenal but that does not mean that a player at that level
should now reduce himself starting at trials level. The Nigeria national
team is not a small team and he has established himself in the starting
list. Oboabona took the right decision; that’s the way I feel about
it.”
Transfer media reports from Turkey say Gaziantepspor are keen to fortify their defence before the new season kicks off and Oboabona as one of their targets. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Arsene Wenger is a joker. He should keep his trials for players that need it. If he hasn't seen enough to decide on Godfrey it means he is not watching and should look elsewhere. Not even sure he wants to beyond indicating interest and pricing of players dis transfer season. He should show some respect to Godfrey and all that he represents.
ReplyDeleteNice one there my amiable Headmaster mutiu adepoju, until pple @ our head of affairs start showing de rest world we need to be respected, we might nt get any. I appreciate oboabona adviser. For crying out loud dis guy is better of lots of old brags in de EPL buh bcos he's a Naija Arsene wenger wanna play on his intelligence. As for u ikpeba, did u went for trial b4 playing for arsenal during ur days? Pls if u dnt know wat to say keep quiet. God will help u bro better club is coming for you, ur hand-work is speaking for you
ReplyDeleteI think Obaobona has made the right decision. Hehas gone past been a trial player no matter how high place the club may be. Lets tell the world that we are great and need not be relegated not even Arsen Wenger who is not ready to sign new players but just want to be in the news. Thumbs up to you Obaobona.
ReplyDeleteI think Obaobona made the right decision by not subjecting himself to trail with a club like Arsenal. If it was Man U or bayern that are saying this, i would have partially agreed, but not Arsenal.
ReplyDeleteI think its about time the so called western world start taking Nigerians seriously.
this guy is tarnishing his imagine u can not put urself on a high profile .....club like arsenal want to put u on trial u are doing strong head go there if u know u can confused them do it .....thats why most nigerian players dont last instead of starting climbing tree frm down they we want to start cimbing tree frm the top at the end of the day they will become useless
ReplyDeleteAsk ikpeba if he went on trial b4 joining monaco?Are we saying wenger cannot access video of afcon & confed cup matches?If godfrey was a brazilian or argentine will he say same tin?D academy players he features for arsenal wea av they being playing bf nw?I am disappaointed by wenger action if ds story is actually true.apart frm metasacker and vermalean all his other defenders wea were playing bf he signed them? Ds is exactly wat prevented ibrahimovic frm playing for arsenal. Wat an arrongance! I pray nig qualify for WC then let us see if by then anoda club cal godfrey may be wenger will wake up then.Odun Tutu
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