Southampton of England midfielder, Joe Ayodele Aribo is staying optimistic that not only will Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they will also win the Africa Cup of Nations in January, and he will be part of both successes.
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Sports247 reports that, although Aribo has not been listed for the Eagles’ upcoming crucial World Cup qualifiers versus Rwanda and South Africa, the 29-year-old midfielder, who was born in Camberwell, England, believes he will soon regain his place in the squad.
The former Staines Town and Charlton Athletic of England as well as ex-Glasgow Rangers of Scotland dark-skinned battler, who took over Nigeria’s number 10 jersey from former captain, John Mikel Obi, admitted that he needs to play well at club level in order to keep his spot in the Super Eagles.
Aribo, who scored on his Eagles’ debut in an international friendly that ended 2-2 with Ukraine on September 10, 2019 and followed up with another goal versus Brazil the following month, further admitted that he has enjoyed every bit of his international career and he is yearning for more.
He then thanked his father, who hails from Ondo State, for encouraging him to commit his international allegiance to Nigeria and for urging him to keep thinking of winning something big for the country.
“It’s an honour wearing the number 10 shirt, which is iconic. For my parents, I’m 100% sure it’s deeper for them, especially for my dad.
“He keeps saying we have to win something … especially win an AFCON and play in the World Cup. Nigeria is a leader. So, we have to bring some things home for the nation,” declared Aribo, who has two goals in 34 appearances for the Eagles.
