Super Eagles Midfielder Joe Aribo speaks on Southampton exile, favorite position

Super Eagles Midfielder Joe Aribo has opened up on his exile at English Premier League bottom club Southampton FC.

For a player who played the most games across Europe in the 2021/2022 season to help Glasgow Rangers win the Scottish Premier league title and also reach the final of the UEFA Europa league, it was believed his move to Southampton will boost his then fledging profile.

Things have not gone as planned for Aribo and even Southampton who occupy bottom spot in the EPL standings and look destined for relegation.

Aribo has the weekend away from the Southampton worries as he represents the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The midfielder used the opportunity to talk about his inactivity and reaction to the difficult moments.

It is the coach’s decision. I think every single coach has his own opinion on things. For me I’m not really too fazed because it’s processes. I just need to be patient and just wait on God’s timing which is perfect,” Aribo told Elegbete TV Sports

“Of course, it is difficult. For any normal human it will be difficult. I don’t let that affect me too much.

“I’m pretty strong-minded so how I deal with disappointment I kind of use it to charge me and just trying to improve the best that I can.”

The weekend has not also gone well for the midfielder who was an unused substitute as Nigeria suffered a 0-1 2023 AFCON qualifier loss to Guinea-Bissau in Abuja .

Aribo`s lack of game time at Southampton played a part in his snub by the Nigeria National team handlers from the starting XI and even as a substitute, Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro instead preferring to name a team dominated by the countries blazing attackers.

The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in the return leg on Monday March 27, 2023 and Peseiro will likely ring changes to the side from the first-leg defeat.

The changes may include inclusion of more midfielders to limit the freedom enjoyed by the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in the middle of the pack on Friday evening.

Aribo could be favoured as he is able to operate in a number of midfield roles and even play as a second striker.

When asked about his favorite position , the Aribo replied : “For me I’d say it’s as a box-to-box midfielder, so I’m up and down the pitch.”