Nigerian players Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi experience contrasting outcomes in the EFL Cup

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Nigeria Super Eagles players Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi experienced contrasting outcomes in the EFL Cup games on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo played a crucial role in Southampton’s victory over Everton in the round of 32 of the EFL Cup, converting a penalty to help his side advance after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Aribo, who was benched during Southampton’s recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League, returned to the starting lineup as the Saints faced Everton at Goodison Park. Despite a strong start from Everton, with Abdoulaye Doucoure opening the scoring in the 20th minute, Southampton equalized 11 minutes later through Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Throughout the match, Aribo was influential, completing 54 touches and boasting an impressive 93% pass accuracy. However, the Nigerian midfielder was unable to directly contribute a goal or assist during the 90 minutes. With the score tied at 1-1, the match went into a penalty shootout.

Aribo calmly converted his penalty during the shootout, helping Southampton edge out Everton after Ashley Young missed a crucial spot-kick in sudden death, sealing the Saints’ progression to the next round.

Other Nigerian Players in Action

Meanwhile, over at Preston, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was left on the bench as his Fulham side crashed out of the EFL Cup following a marathon penalty shootout against Preston North End. Alex Iwobi, another Nigerian international, was given 13 minutes of action after coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute, but he failed to make a significant impact.

Fulham found themselves trailing in the first half after Ryan Ledson scored for Preston, but a second-half equalizer from Reiss Nelson forced the game into penalties. Iwobi managed to score two of his kicks as both sides went through a lengthy shootout that saw each team take 17 penalties. However, it was Timothy Castagne’s miss that ultimately cost Fulham the game, allowing Preston to advance.

Both Nigerian stars, Aribo and Iwobi, will now turn their focus back to their respective club duties, but Aribo’s contribution in Southampton’s cup run has certainly boosted his profile as a key player for the Saints this season.