Joe Aribo receives praise for late-minute winner at Southampton

Southampton head coach, Russell Martin, has heaped praise on Joe Aribo after he scored a 96th-minute goal to snatch all three points for the Saints.

The Super Eagles midfielder joined the list of players to score post-AFCON goals for their clubs.

Aribo came off the bench with just 20 minutes of regular time to play to score the winning goal for the Saints in the 4-3 away victory against 10-man Birmingham on Saturday.

Although the 27-year-old has faced limited game time both at club and international levels this season starting just eight games all season for the Saints, he showcased his prowess when it mattered most.

He played a hundred and nine minutes of football with Nigeria at the concluded AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.

Just when it seemed the spoils would be shared, the AFCON Silver medalist found the back of the net firing home from a Taylor Harwood-Bells’ rebound.

“The lads love him, the fans love him. Hopefully, everyone’s really seeing what he has to offer,” Martin told the club’s official website.

“He was amazing on Wednesday [against Liverpool], he probably deserved to play, but he hadn’t played 90 minutes for a long time and was absolutely hanging on Thursday.

“He’s a brilliant player and an even better character, and for him to score the goal – I said to him there’ll be a chance for you at some point.

“I was completely guessing, but I hoped, and it’s fallen to him and he’s tucked it away.”

“I love all the players so I don’t mind who gets the winner. Aribo was brilliant today and unlucky not to start after the Liverpool game on Wednesday.”

Aribo’s late heroics with his third goal in 24 league outings have propelled Southampton within three points of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United, signalling their determination to ascend to the summit of the English top flight.