Why I chose Nigeria – Joe Aribo

Glasgow Rangers midfielder and Nigeria international Joe Aribo has spoken on why he chose to play for Nigeria despite the temptation to look else.

The 23-year-old Rangers midfielder was born in London, but he decided to pledge his international future to Nigeria ahead of England.

He said, “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.

“I’d say that’s the best one for me because I like to get up the pitch and use my energy in the game.”

Aribo made his first appearance for Nigeria against Ukraine with a goal in a friendly match and repeated the same feat against Brazil in the next game. He however made his competitive debut for Nigeria against Benin in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November.

“I wouldn’t say I was at my best but it was definitely a good overall team performance. I’d say we started slow but once we got into the game we showed what we are capable of doing and what we can do as a team,” he said.

He told reporters he was inspired as a young boy by some Nigerian legends.

 “I’d say Jay-Jay Okocha and even (Peter) Odemwingie, I used to really enjoy watching him when I was growing up,” he said.