Joe Aribo last scored for Southampton and Nigeria on October 1, 2022, against Everton in the Premier League.
Nigeria Super Eagles star Joe Aribo is back among the goals following a 14-month hiatus after helping five-star Southampton to an emphatic win against Swansea.
Aribo was one of the scorers as the Saints thrashed the Swans 5-0 during their clash in the Championship on Boxing Day.
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The playmaker and his compatriot at the club, Samuel Edozie played decisive roles as Southampton continued the push for promotion with a comfortable and convincing victory.
Aribo, 27, who looked at home in a central midfield role opened the floodgate with a 17th minute strike to give the Saints a narrow lead at the break.
The goal was the first for the former Rangers man for his club or Nigeria since he netted the consolation in a 2-1 defeat at home to Everton in the Premier League last season.
British-born Nigerian, Edozie, would not be outshone as he scored to next goal to double Southampton three minutes into the second half.
Ryan Fraser, who netted a brace, and Adam Armstrong, who also assisted Aribo and one of Fraser’s goals, were the other scorers on a memorable day for the Saints.
Christmas wish comes true
After the match, Aribo told the club media that he wanted a goal as a Christmas gift and was happy it came to pass.
“It’s a massive win for, it’s so important to start fast and play well,” the Super Eagles star stated in a video posted on Southampton’s social media account.
“Someone asked me earlier today ‘What would I want for Christmas?’ and I said ‘To score’. So, I got my wish, thankful to God,” he added.
Aribo’s first goal of the season comes just a few weeks before the start of the AFCON2023. The Southampton player is part of Nigeria’s 40-man provisional squad for the tournament slated for Cote d’Ivoire in early January.
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