Nigerian club Sunshine Stars say English Premier League side Arsenal have never asked them to take Godfrey Oboabona on trial.

Media speculation last week suggested not only did the Nigeria defender turn down the offer of a trial and but he criticised manager Arsene Wenger too. (external)

"I never said anything about a highly respected manager like Mr Wenger showing me a lack of respect," he said.

Oboabona also says he was not aware of any invitation for a trial.

"I have had so many text messages, phone calls about it - the rumour that I was invited on trial was not true - I only read about it like everyone else," he explained to the BBC.

"I've always said I will take my time, focus on my development as a player and continue to give my best in every game.

"At the appropriate time, when clubs must have seen me well enough, they will hopefully approach Sunshine Stars in Nigeria.

"My desire is to grow every day, sadly all the things written about Arsenal did not come from me."

The 22-year-old played a big part in Nigeria's victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and was also part of their Confederations Cup squad.

He was an integral part of Nigeria's qualification for the African Nations Championship, the continent's tournament for locally based players only, for the first ever time.

The Sunshine Stars' chairman Mike Idoko also insisted there has been no approach from Arsenal.

"It all began in the media and ends there," he told BBC Sport.

"If there was any substance to the story, we expect Arsenal would approach his club first.

"We haven't had any official communication with Arsenal or any Premier League club about [Godfrey] Oboabona."

m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23560257

Who is fooling who?

I wont say anytin here, i promise

.

Ok

The guy (Oboabona) is a wise guy...

Ermm'... Did i read that he's 22?! *lips sealed*

why it took him long time to come out & deny the story ??.

Hmmmmmmmmmm

hmmm

Osaze don use him life do example..lol

nbright: The guy (Oboabona) is a wise guy...

how wise is he?

Oh yeah,so no club shown interest yet?hiya so dude is gon sit back @ Sunshine stars a lil while...sure if he gets an offer for a trial @ Arsenal,he will def jump @ it contrary to popular opinion....wish him all d best

who are u fooling, this guy is just making a u-turn after his media stunt back fired.

Is good to realise your mistake and retrace your step. Hope you get a good team in europe but please tame your ego.

Lobatan

ok.

Seen

I knew it!!!.. Why would he reject such offer?

Me not interested in their 'Hide and seek' game

Kokan aye

HAH: who are u fooling, this guy is just making a u-turn after his media stunt back fired.

Is good to realise your mistake and retrace your step. Hope you get a good team in europe but please tame your ego.

Lobatan

You'e being judgemental here, and you're too quick in doing so. The report above, if you read it, affirmed Oboabona and his manager's denials. Do you have any proof that what the duo have said is not correct? As long as a refuttal has been offered, why not give Oboabona benefit of the doubt? The issue of Oboabona having an ego that needs to be tamed, to me, is completely off track!

This One Said This, This One Said This, Whom Do We Believe?


Abeegi!

SIRCONFIDENCE: why it took him long time to come out & deny the story ??.

He dosnt owe anybody any explanation or apology. Y didn't some1 verify from him or his club before all the argument and judgement in the media. Shame on the supersports analysts. Nice 1 Oboabona.

hmmm

No smoke without fire !

Media with fake reports just to make annd sell news paper.

TUNEX89: No smoke without fire !

even if the smoke is from cold mountain dew?

Whatever, I know Oboabona is better than Johan Djourou, Phillipe Senderous & other yeye centre backs which Arsene Wenger has used in the past 5years.
Last Bullet:
He has the ability to be better than Vermaelen, Martesacker, Koscielny abi na Kòséyìn.

Ancelotti and Madrid is coming for you, dem just do blood money for Okija juju hand. You sabi as dem take wan buy Bale for £105m na??..so just chillax

still a home base and his controversy has started.let him be careful ohh about media oohh

I'm telling you that this guy just employed some nice PR managers who from what I'm seeing ain't doing too bad. He has realised his mistake and has retraced his steps, he is human, it's allowed.

Kinda wondering if there are no better players again for a whole Arsenal to have invited him on trial.

The question remained " who quoted him " or who interview the guy

Serious