Former England striker and Nigerian FA director, John Fashanu believes that Joe Aribo will go on and become a “key player” for the Super Eagles according to an interview in The Sun.
Fashanu was effusive in his praise of the 23-year-old midfielder after only making his Nigeria debut earlier this season.
What has Fashanu said?
Fashanu was speaking ahead of the Super Eagles African Cup of Nations game against Lesotho, which they won 2-0 with Aribo impressing again.
When aspect about the long-term prospects for Aribo, Fashanu said:
“Aribo is going to be a very important player for Nigeria. He is going to be one of our key players for years. He’s been doing very well for Rangers and has been exceptional since his debut for Nigeria”.
“Joe is going to be targeted by the opposition because they know what he can do. It’s important he is used properly by us because he’s vital for the team”.
“Nigeria have very strong and skillful players. Joe Aribo is one of them. He has been doing well at his club and everyone knows he is a very dangerous player. He’s one we have to watch”.
So is Fashanu correct?
Aribo has made an immediate impact at Ibrox since arriving from Charlton on a development fee after his contract ran out, scoring 5 goals and 3 assists in 23 appearances.
Not only has he scored important Europa League goals but he has made his debut for Nigeria including a well-taken goal against Brazil, despite former manager Lee Bowyer saying he had made “the wrong move”, he appears to be doing alright for himself.
Fashanu has been impressed with Aribo since he made his Nigeria debut and just a few games in has predicted a big future for him. The young midfielder is adept in a few roles and is capable of winning the ball back and playing a part in building attacks.
His best football for Rangers has come when he has been allowed to play further forward in support of the attack rather than protecting the back four. He recently spent an extended period out of the team because of a head injury against Livingston that required 20 stitches and the form of Glen Kamara but returned to scoring ways at the Toni Macaroni Arena prior to the international break.
Who should start in Rangers midfield?
Joe Aribo
Glen Kamara
Fashanu is right in that Aribo has all the attributes required to make it at the highest echelons of football, if he continues to shine at international level and for Rangers it will be hard for the Ibrox club to keep a hold of him, much to the pain of Light Blues fans around the world.