As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Round of 16 clash with Cameroon, Super Eagles star Joe Aribo expressed his pride and honour in representing his country.
The 27-year-old earned his first start of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in the Super Eagles‘ 1-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, playing for 63 minutes before being substituted for Alex Iwobi.
Since his debut in September 2019 in a friendly match against Ukraine, Aribo has earned 27 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring two goals.
“I feel good. It's always an honour for me to represent Nigeria, represent my country so it's a good feeling,” the Southampton midfielder said.
Aribo's words reflect the deep sense of national pride and commitment that players bring to the field as the Super Eagles prepare for their clash with the Indomitable Lions on January 27.
Aribo heaps praise on Super Eagles defence
The Southampton midfielder is confident in his team's ability to score more goals as the competition progresses.
In a recent interview, Aribo expressed his belief that the team will find the back of the net frequently in the upcoming matches.
He highlighted the team's impressive defensive record, emphasizing their ability to keep clean sheets and maintain a strong and solid defense.
Nigeria boasts one of the best defensive records in the tournament, sharing this feat with defending champions Senegal, Morocco, and Mali.
Together, these teams have only conceded one goal, showcasing their defensive prowess and resilience on the field.
“I know as the tournament progresses, we'll find the back of the net a lot more. One thing about us is that we are doing very well, keeping clean sheets and we're strong and solid at the back.”
Can Super Eagles tame the Indomitable Lions?
In the 20 games played between these two African football powerhouses, the Super Eagles have asserted their dominance with 12 victories, 5 defeats, and 2 draws.
However, the Indomitable Lions can boast of securing three of their five AFCON triumphs at the expense of the Super Eagles, emerging victorious in the 1984, 1988, and 2000 AFCON finals.
Both teams placed second in their respective groups, setting the tone for a thrilling encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Saturday.
