Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has vowed to make a stronger impact in the Premier League next season.
The 27-year-old was dropped from the team during his debut Premier League season, which ended in relegation for the club.
Aribo featured in 21 matches, netting two goals, but only participated in two of the final 15 games as the Saints struggled.
Despite this, the Nigeria international emerged as a crucial player for Russell Martin's side, who secured a play-off victory in the Championship this season.
Aribo scored four goals and provided one assist in 35 games as the Saints earned promotion back to England's top division.
Joe Aribo reflects on challenges and sets sights on Premier League success
Aribo shared his thoughts on overcoming adversity and his ambitions for the future.
“Of course, it was difficult for me last season. I knew I had to get my head down, work hard, focus, and believe in myself. Sometimes when it's not going well, you tend to lose belief. I believe in myself and feel like I've just been getting from chance to chance and there's only more to come. Of course, I want to step up. God's given me so much talent and I truly believe. I know what I am capable of as long as I'm feeling confident in myself and good in myself, and I'm fit and well. I always want to score goals every game I play in,” he told Daily Echo.
Aribo is now looking forward to contributing even more in the upcoming season, aiming to surpass his previous performances.
“Next season, hopefully, I can score more goals than I did these last two seasons. It's all about growing and maturing in your position. It's also about listening to what the manager is saying, taking pointers on and understanding the role that he wants from us.”
He also expressed his joy and pride at the team's promotion, highlighting the significance of their achievement.
“It's my second time up there. Two for two at Wembley now, so very happy, very happy. Honestly, no words can actually describe it. It's what we've wanted to do all season. It's been our aim and it's honestly just amazing. It's amazing to say that we've got the job done. And to go up on the balcony at Wembley as well and just celebrate with 36,000 fans, what a moment.”
Aribo overlooked for Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Aribo, who made cameo appearances during Nigeria's second-place finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast under Jose Peseiro, has been overlooked for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers by new coach Finidi George.
Despite his contributions, Aribo was excluded from the squad for the March friendlies against Ghana and Mali, and now finds himself left out of the pivotal qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
This decision has raised eyebrows among the Nigerian football faithful, leaving questions about Aribo's future involvement with the Super Eagles as they strive for World Cup qualification.
