By Joseph Isokpehi , Benin City.
With four matches left to be played in the Serbia first division, the second tier of the National League system, Nigeria sensation Obekpa Gabriel’s FK IMT Belgrade has gained promotion to the top Flight league of Serbia, the Super Liga (Linglong Tire) following their impressive run.
The team has 66 points from 33 matches, with their last Sunday game against RFK Graficar Beograd, ending goalless at home, the team will still finish in top or second place which guarantees them a place in the top-flight league.
No doubt this is a good leap for Obekpa Gabriel who has been part of the team’s success this outgoing season.
The former Benin City youth League Star with Dinamo Academica of Benin City, from where he joined the Serbian side has been a great revelation for FK IMT Belgrade since his arrival last October and the defensive midfielder has been tipped by football pundits in Europe as the next big thing to happen to Nigeria football if given a look in.
The talented Obekpa Gabriel who can also play in the heart of the defence is happy to achieve this great feat just after seven months after his arrival in Belgrade.
” This is a dream come true for me, it has been hard work with my teammates, coaches and everyone here, now we are there, but then we still have four games to play, and surely we shall give it our best, Obekpa posited.
” I have always wanted to play in the top league here, am so excited to gain promotion with this ambitious team, they had faith in me when I joined them and I am happy to achieve this feat with them’, I hope to continue the learning process here having learnt so much from the coaches, Obekpa Gabriel stated.
Obekpa however said he will be glad to play for his father’s land if given the opportunity any time.
” It will be great if given the opportunity to play for my country, that is the wish of every young Nigerian, I will be glad to wear my country’s colour at the international level. But I will keep working hard with my teammates to achieve glory in the Serbian top league.
On his part, the player’s intermediary Marko Gvozdenovic is full of praises for the young talented Nigerian midfielder, who came through the under-19 ranks of the team and was promoted to the first team following his quality display during training and match situations.
Described as one the best defensive midfielder in the team, Obekpa Gabriel has huge abilities and potential to succeed in Europe.
Followers of this gifted Nigerian in Europe are of the opinion that he gets the attention of Nigeria age-grade National teams now to wade off other countries coming for him.
No doubt Obekpa Gabriel can fit into the Flying Eagles set up currently preparing for the FIFA Under 20 world cup in Argentina in May, as he has the potential to prove himself if given the opportunity.
FK IMT Belgrade will face Indija Fc on May 6, before taking on Jedinstvo Fc, Radnokic NB and lastly RFK Novi Sad in their remaining games of the season.
