Nigeria and Glasgow Rangers midfielder have burst into the International scene at a time when he was needed the most.
He’s moved from Charlton Athletic just like his soon to be International teammate (all from Yoruba) in Ademola Lookman.
The move to Rangers gave him international recognition as he’s linked up with players like Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Oghenekaro Etebo in the Super Eagles side.
However, the former Championship star has identified three players that influenced his decision to play for Nigeria as he was eligible to also turn out for the Three Lions of England.
With the players’ affirmation of these legendary players, we evaluate the three players even as we expect him to reach and surpass their achievement in the Super Eagles over the years.
Austin (Jay-Jay) Okocha
The mercurial talented midfielder was so outstanding on the green and white shirt for Nigeria. It was no surprise that he would have inspired a lot of players with Joe Aribo inclusive.
He was a gem in the round leather game as he has set the standard for Nigerian players to follow especially for the midfielders.
Aribo could remember positive memories of watching Okocha play for the Super Eagles back in the UK.
It was one of the reasons he loved the Super Eagles and wanted to play for the National team like he’s done already under the managerial reign of German-French coach Gernot Rohr.
Osaze (Peter) Odemwingie
The luxury of watching the fair-skinned forward Osaze do what he knows how to do best in the colours of Nigeria was enormous, to say the least.
He was a plus for the Nigerian side especially during the exit of star quality like Austin Okocha, Wilson Oruma, and injury-prone Christian Obodo of Udinese.
Odemwingie was really inspirational to Nigeria qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in SA. He was unplayable alongside the Igbo duo of Obinna (Victor) Nsofor and Ikechukwu Uche (a.k.a Garri master).
Such was his relevance to the Super Eagles wearing the number 11 Jersey of Nigeria. This left a massive impression on young promising star Joe Aribo as the quest to play for Nigeria gradually grew in his heart.
John Obi Mikel
Joe Aribo has been touted as Mikel’s ideal successor in the National team. He has taken over the number 10 shirt left behind by the former Chelsea ace.
Aribo has spoken about his motivation to put on the number 10 jersey worn by John Obi Mikel in the past.
It has drawn a comparison between the two players with Aribo looking good in the position vacated by Mikel in the Nigerian midfield.
The Rangers midfield player have dreamt of putting on the number 10 shirt for Nigeria just like Mikel did in the Super Eagles. And this has motivated him to find his way into Gernot Rohr led side.
Things seem to be going as planned for Aribo in the Eagles fold following his 2 goals in the last few games for Nigeria.
However, he’s not hidden the pressure and responsibility he’s feeling wearing the legendary shirt as much would be expected from him on the Nigerian scene as time progresses.
