Speaking in a video posted by the Super Eagles YouTube account, Rangers star Joe Aribo has opened up on his decision to represent Nigeria in international football.
The midfielder was born in London, but qualifies for the African nation through his family and leapt at the chance to represent the country.
He made his debut in a friendly against Ukraine in September and made his first competitive appearance against Benin in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November, meaning there’s no going back on the decision.
”I think it is the love of playing for your home nation, there is just so much love there and you receive so much love so that’s one thing that drove me to wanting to play for Nigeria,” Aribo told the Super Eagles YouTube channel.
“I’d say Jay-Jay Okocha and even [Peter] Odemwingie (inspired me to make the decision), I used to really enjoy watching them when I was growing up.”
Verdict
It’s great to see any Gers player thriving on the international scene and Aribo’s big decision is certainly already paying dividends.
Not only did he score on debut, but he’s since netted against a star-studded Brazil side and contributed to a strong start to 2021 AFCON qualifying.
It’s fair to say that he’s already achieved a lot more and had more opportunities than he would ever be likely to get with the English national team, even if he’s still some way off reaching his full potential as a player.
Choosing Nigeria and throwing himself into the international arena aged just 23, will accelerate his development, which can only be beneficial for the Gers in the long run.
