Aribo scores as Southampton win first pre-season game
Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo scored the fourth goal as Southampton won their first pre-season game a 4-2 victory over Reading on Saturday July 22.
Aribo on as a substitute for Southampton combined with compatriot Samuel Edozie to score his sides fourth goal with just over ten minutes remaining in the match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. .
Before Aribo’s goal, Southampton led 3-1 courtesy of goals by Jan Bednark, Ward-Prowse and Adam Armstrong for the Saints, while Harvey Knibbs got the League One outfits only fruit in 80 minutes.
With Southampton cruising 4-2, another Nigerian blood Olamide Shodipo who is on trial with Reading squeezed an effort underneath Bazunu from close range moments before the final whistle for a 4-2 result.
That was the first pre-season win for new Southampton boss Russell Martin who named a strong team to take on the Royals, with James Ward-Prowse, Kyle Walker-Peters, Tino Livramento and Nathan Tella all starting the match.
Aribo and the Saints will next face Premier League AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening in their penultimate pre-season friendly.
Southampton is preparing for the 2023/2024 English Championship season. The Saints have until now kept hold to Joe Aribo and bulk of the players from the 2022/2023 season as they target promotion back to the top-flight.
This summer, Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo has been linked with a move back to Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers but nothing concrete has emerged to this point.
