2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Joe Aribo thrilled to return to Super Eagles after hiatus

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo is delighted to be back with the Super Eagles after more than a year away from the national team.

Aribo’s last appearance for Nigeria came in February 2023 during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Ivory Coast.

Since then, the Southampton midfielder has been absent from national duty but is now eager to make his return in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

“It’s a really good feeling,” Aribo told Oganla Media. “I’m happy to be back, happy to get involved with my team, and get the results we are looking for.”

The Super Eagles held their first training session under new head coach Éric Sékou Chelle on Tuesday, and Aribo shared that the team is quickly adjusting to the new manager’s style of play.

“It’s a good feeling. We believe in what he wants from us, what he wants to implement in the game,” Aribo added. “We just have to trust in what he says to us on the pitch and carry it into the games.”

With the Super Eagles aiming for a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, Aribo’s return is seen as a boost to the squad as they prepare for crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.