Glasgow Rangers of Scotland midfielder, Joseph Ayodele Aribo has sent out words of gratitude to Nigerian soccer fans all over the world for the high level of support they gave the Super Eagles before and during their international friendly against Brazil on Sunday, megasportsarena.com reports.
Making thoughts known in the wake of Sunday’s entertaining 1-1 draw at Singapore National Stadium, Aribo, who got the game’s opening goal for Nigeria, making it a brace in just two matches so far for the Eagles, said he was happy to help the team edge the five-time FIFA world champions in what he tagged a tough game.
While also admitting sheer delight with his goal in the first half of the encounter at Singapore National Stadium, the former Charlton Athletic of England dazzler added that determination and well-ironed team work helped the Eagles hold their own after he opened the scoring in the 35th minute, following his waltzing run past two Brazilian defenders after a pass from Moses Simon.
Sunday’s effort was his second goal in as many matches for Nigeria, as the 23-year-old Ondo State indigene, who first played for English non-league side, Staines Town, also scored on his debut against Ukraine last month, and he is looking forward to more of such to excite the fans.
It took Aribo just four minutes to open his goals scoring account for the Eagles during his debut against Ukraine in a similar friendly encounter, and he will hope to continue his goal streak in a competitive setting, when the team face Benin Republic and Lesotho in their first two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
Aribo took to social media to reveal his reaction and aspirations, posting: “Tough game against a top Brazil side! Team put in a shift till the end. Delighted to have got a goal!!! Thank you to all the supporters that came out tonight and also everyone supporting worldwide!”
His club’s assistant coach at The Gers, Michael Beale also celebrated the feat with Aribo, as he took to social media to reveal how happy he was happy with the player’s performance against the star-studded Brazilians, and praised the midfielder for his outstanding goal.
While hinting that he was equally glad to see Aribo extend his bright start to his international career, Beale posted: “Outstanding @J_Aribo19 two goals in two games for the national team.”
Aribo’s club were not to be left out of the rain of accolades on the lad, as Rangers wrote on their official Twitter account: “A brilliant goal by @J_Aribo19 for @NGSuperEagles against Brazil.”
Sofia Kenin