Why is no one banging the drum of Joe Aribo for the Super Eagles anymore? I will tell you why. Quite a sizeable number of Super Eagles fans have given up on him, that’s why.
Once heralded as the next best midfield invention since the discovery of sliced bread, Aribo is now ridiculed as a joke and a social pariah.
Is it fair though and is there a realistic future for Aribo in the Super Eagles and in the hearts of fans?
I think so.
In truth, in the past two seasons he has been a bit lightweight for Nigeria in midfield. He would often struggle to inject energy and vibrancy into Nigeria’s midfield.
His passes, for the most part, were standard and at times even subpar. In range, he keeps his passes short and in quality they rarely unlock opposition defences.
He often gets overrun and couldn’t apply himself like Onyeka and Iwobi did in the just concluded Afcon with versatility, vim and vigour.
He rarely leaves a lasting impression with performances often labelled forgettable in Super Eagles colours.
For me, he hasn’t been helped at all by not nailing down a specific position on the pitch for his club as he is often played from pillar to post in attack and midfield making him a master of no specific space.
But, if you ask me, I think that it his trump card. The Super Eagles need versatile players.
As a team member, I think he can be valuable as a sub to see out games until he finds a department to call home in club football.
He knows the Nigerian system as he is well acquainted with the rigours of African football.
He still shows glimpses of being able to produce decent passes here and there and I have seen him pull off successful take-ons in 1 on 1 situations for Southampton.
And, talk about Southampton, that demographic of Super Eagles fans who would go to bed with any player in Premier Leagues will clamour for Aribo’s inclusion following his team’s promotion back among the elites.
But Aribo needs to be emphatic if recalled to the Super Eagles. I expect defense splitting passes, incisive movements and all round unputdownable performance laced with goals contributions.
I think it is premature to write Aribo off and I would warmly welcome his invitation to the Super Eagles for upcoming Afcon qualifiers.
He does actually look dejected and disinterested to me in his demeanor for the Super Eagles recently. Perhaps he just needs to rediscover his drive, determination and dedication.
After which we will see the Aribo that frazzled and dazzled against Ukraine and Brazil in 2019.
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