Stoke City midfielder Oghene Etebo named in best world 11 after the first round of matches

SUPER Eagles midfielder Oghene Etebo has been named as one of the best 11 players who featured during the first round of games at the ongoing Russia World Cup following his scintillating performance in Nigeria's opening game against Croatia.

Etebo, 22, who has just signed for English Championship side Stoke City, had the misfortune of scoring an own goal in the 37th minute but despite this, he put in an outstanding performance on the day. Etebo's runs from midfield caught the eye and troubled Croatia all match, with some pundits suggesting he should have won the man of the match award ahead of Luka Modric.

Croatian midfield maestro Ivan Rakitic, also praised Etebo, saying the Stoke City man made him play deep in his half so he could not venture forward as he would have loved. Etebo's performance has now earned him a spot in the Best XI Players for the first round of a game alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa among others selected after voting.

Etebo spent the second half of last  season on loan to La Liga side Las Palmas and despite offers from other clubs in Europe, he opted to join relegated Stoke City, a move which took many by surprise. After his good outing though, bigger clubs might now come in for Etebo and Stoke City might struggle to hold on to him.

Other players who made the World XI include Golovin (Russia), Lozano (Mexico), Herrera (Mexico), Granqvist (Sweden),  Gimenez (Uruguay), Trippier (England) and Ochoa (Mexico). Nigeria now faces Iceland on Friday in a must-win game and head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to make several changes to the line-up to secure victory.