Nigerian Midfielder Dubbed The New Moussa Dembele Scores Brace For Charlton

Promising Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo bagged his first career brace as Charlton Athletic defeated playoff-chasing Rotherham United 3-1 at the Valley on Monday afternoon.

The number seventeen and Nicholas Ajose started for the Addicks, ex-Arsenal U21 captain Semi Ajayi and Joshua Emmanuel made the Millers starting line-up while Michael Ihiekwe was on the bench.

Michal Zyro put the home team ahead in the 28th minute after capitalizing on a loose header from Josh Emmanuel.

Aribo fired home a close-range header eight minutes into the second half to make it 2-0 before smashing the ball beyond the goalkeeper in the 65th minute for Charlton's third goal.

Born in London, Camberwell to Nigerian parents, Aribo, who models his game after Moussa Dembélé, is open to the prospect of playing for the Super Eagles in future.

''I can play for both Nigeria and England, I’m open to playing for both '' Aribo told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''My strengths are I am able to move around the pitch with energy and passing, my weaknesses are my weaker foot and heading.

''I model my game after Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Dembélé because he is a left footed midfielder like me.''

A product of St Mark’s Academy, Aribo has appeared 51 times for Charlton Athletic in all competitions since his first-team debut in 2016, scoring 6 goals and notching 10 assists.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel