My Nigerian heritage means so much to me – Aribo

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has hinted at plans to visit and know more about his Nigerian heritage, adding that it means a lot to him, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The midfielder, whose full name is Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo, made this known during an interview on Super Sports.

The 28-year-old Southampton player was born in Camberwell, England, to Nigerian parents but showed no hesitation after receiving a call-up to Nigeria’s men’s senior national team in 2019.

On numerous occasions, Aribo has said his love for Nigeria was the reason he picked the three-time African champions ahead of England, his country of birth.

“My Nigerian heritage means a lot to me. I don’t really speak about it much, but it means a lot to me, and I always ask my parents about where they grew up and where I am from. I went back there when I was young, but I can’t remember it. I have planned to go back in the future. I am honoured to be a part of the Super Eagles and represent my country,” he said.

Aribo was on the wish list of the English FA, but the former Rangers midfielder eventually opted to play for the Eagles, making his debut against Ukraine in a friendly on September 10, 2019, and scoring in the fourth minute of the 2–2 draw.

Aribo was part of the squad that represented the country at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and has earned 34 caps for the Super Eagles.

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