Aribo set to make AFCON debut vs Egypt as Rangers ace continues training with probable starters

Published: January 08, 2022

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that everything is pointing to the fact that Joe Aribo will make his Africa Cup of Nations debut when the Super Eagles lock horns with Egypt on January 11, if the training sessions are anything to go by.

The Glasgow Rangers midfielder, who will be wearing Nigeria's iconic number 10 shirt previously worn with pride by two Premier League stars Austin Okocha and John Obi Mikel, has been training with the probable starters ahead of the opening game against the Pharaohs.

In the team's penultimate workout before leaving for Cameroon, Aribo played for the Team A comprising the players tipped to start and was named in the starting lineup in Friday's win over Coton Sport in a practice match.

Aribo was also grouped with the possible starters who wore green bibs in the training game on Saturday.

Unlike at club level, the former Charlton Athletic man does not really have that freedom to join the attack as he is often deployed as one of the two pivots for the Super Eagles - a role he is set to continue playing alongside Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi against Egypt.

Aribo has made twelve appearances for the Super Eagles - all of them starts - putting him ahead of his rivals for a starting shirt in midfield Chidera Ejuke, Kelechi Nwakali and Frank Onyeka in terms of games played.

He marked his Super Eagles debut with a goal against Ukraine in September 2019 but hasn't found the net in ten consecutive matches for the three-time African champions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com