Despite the daunting task of playing against second-placed Fenerbahce in a Turkish league clash today at
the Kamil Ocak Stadium, former Flying Eagles defender Gbenga Arokoyo is
not perturbed about the threat posed by their foes' strike force led by
Dutch star Robin van Persie.
Arokoyo's club, Gaziantepsor are
currently 13th in the table and would have to win as they aim to be in
the top half of the log before the season gets midway.
Arokoyo said in his speech with completesports today, he was ready for the game, and also revealed the team and striker that has given him the most difficult times in the Turkish league so far this season.
"The prospect of facing Robin van Persie does not scare me. He is a world class striker no doubt, but Gaziantepsor are ambitious, and we just have to raise our game.
"They (Fenerbahce) are second in the table and we are in the 13th position. We want to be in the top half of the table and a positive result will do just that for us.
"Van Persie and Nani (who both have scored five league goals) are their most dangerous men. We realise that and are motivated to do well," Arokoyo emphasised.
The former Kwara United defender also revealed that Besiktas' Mario Gomez is his toughest opponent so far this season.
Arokoyo was yellow-carded on August 28 when his club hosted Besiktas while trying to stop the big German.
"I will say Besiktas' Mario Gomez is the toughest striker I've played against this season. Besiktas are a very tough team to play against and also having an experienced player like Gomez who is a strong, powerful striker made it a very difficult match for me. I was booked in that match because of him," Arokoyo said frankly.
The defender was not the only Nigerian on parade in the game for Gaziantepspor as former Rangers of Enugu striker John Chibuike was also in action. Both Nigerians played for 90 minutes for their club.
They are expected to start in today's game. Chibuike has scored once in 12 league games.
Arokoyo said in his speech with completesports today, he was ready for the game, and also revealed the team and striker that has given him the most difficult times in the Turkish league so far this season.
"The prospect of facing Robin van Persie does not scare me. He is a world class striker no doubt, but Gaziantepsor are ambitious, and we just have to raise our game.
"They (Fenerbahce) are second in the table and we are in the 13th position. We want to be in the top half of the table and a positive result will do just that for us.
"Van Persie and Nani (who both have scored five league goals) are their most dangerous men. We realise that and are motivated to do well," Arokoyo emphasised.
The former Kwara United defender also revealed that Besiktas' Mario Gomez is his toughest opponent so far this season.
Arokoyo was yellow-carded on August 28 when his club hosted Besiktas while trying to stop the big German.
"I will say Besiktas' Mario Gomez is the toughest striker I've played against this season. Besiktas are a very tough team to play against and also having an experienced player like Gomez who is a strong, powerful striker made it a very difficult match for me. I was booked in that match because of him," Arokoyo said frankly.
The defender was not the only Nigerian on parade in the game for Gaziantepspor as former Rangers of Enugu striker John Chibuike was also in action. Both Nigerians played for 90 minutes for their club.
They are expected to start in today's game. Chibuike has scored once in 12 league games.
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