Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo has not been given the game time he would have expected at Saints so far this season.
The Nigeria international has only made 11 appearances this season under Russell Martin but has only started once.
Martin has preferred the likes of Flynn Downes and Will Smallbone in the centre of midfield, with the Saints currently sitting in fourth place in the Championship.
Nigeria managed to come from a goal down to get a 1-1 draw away at Zimbabwe in their second qualification game as they look to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Journalist on Aribo’s performance
Journalist Abdulhamid Abdulkareem of All Nigeria Soccer gave Aribo a 6.5 out of ten in his player ratings, praising him for his second-half performance.
“Struggled in the first half but became more involved when he was withdrawn to the midfield. Showed great vision and precision to spot Simon’s run in the build-up leading to the goal.”
Will his performance get him more playing time at Saints?
It is good to see that Aribo is still putting in good performances for his national team even with his lack of game time.
Aribo was expected to leave Saints in the summer following a mass exodus at the club after their relegation from the Premier League last season.
As shown by his first-half performance against Zimbabwe, clearly Aribo is not match sharp as it took him some time to get his performance up to scratch.
After a fairly unimpressive international break for Aribo and the Super Eagles, it is doubtful that he would have done anything to put himself at the forefront of Martin’s mind.