Etebo made his international debut on 27 July 2013 against Côte d'Ivoire in a 2–0 loss in Abidjan during the 2014 African Nations Championship qualification campaign for home-based players. He also played against Jordan in an international friendly on 23 October 2013. In December 2015, he helped the Nigerian U-23 Team to the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Senegal; finishing top scorer with five goals, including a brace in a 2–1 win against Algeria in the final. Both goals were characterized by deep runs from his team's own half. Having almost single-handedly guaranteed Nigeria's qualification to the Olympic games, he was subsequently selected by Nigeria in the 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Following a tumultuous arrival in Brazil, he scored four goals against Japan in Nigeria's opening group match. The game ended 5–4 to Nigeria. Injured in the third game of the tournament, he played a lessened part in the run of the team to a bronze medal finish. Etebo is a member of the full Nigeria national team.
