'It was tough' - Aribo sums up his frustrations after first season at Southampton

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has revealed that he was not given enough chances to impress at Southampton in his first season with the Hampshire-based side.
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​Aribo moved to St Mary's last summer with a huge pedigree after his successful spell with Rangers where he helped the Light Blues win the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup, and also played a key role as they got to the final UEFA Europa League in 2022.
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​The 26-year-old failed to nail down a place in the starting XI under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles, the three coaches that were in charge of the Saints last season.
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He could only make sixteen starts from a possible 47 in all competitions and was sent to the B squad to build up his match fitness before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with Guinea-Bissau. 
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The lack of opportunities frustrated the former Rangers midfielder as he watched from the sidelines as Southampton got relegated.
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​ "For me, very frustrating. But also, I felt like I needed that season because it was God that put me in that situation and I have learnt that he doesn't do it for no reason," Aribo told Planet Sport Football Africa Podcast via Daily Record.

"There was a reason behind it. Right now I am questioning that reason but we just have to put our faith in God and trust.

 "It was tough because you want to do so well for yourself, you know. I had a new challenge and I wanted to hit the ground running.

"And obviously, I had all of these goals and what I wanted to do, also to help the team. But I didn't feel I got the chance to do that and it was really frustrating. It was a season of learning."

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Despite his struggles with the English Championship side, he was able to put that side and helped the Super Eagles qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

After his struggles in his first season in England, it is no surprise that he has been linked with a move away from the Saints.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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