Russell Martin has disclosed that SAINTS will not stop Joe Aribo from competing in the Africa Cup of Nations next month, should he be chosen.
Jose Peseiro’s preliminary team for the event, which begins on January 13, includes Aribo, a regular for Nigeria.
On Boxing Day, Southampton defeated Swansea City 5-0, with the 23-year-old international starting the past five games and scoring his first goal of the season.
Aribo might miss up to five games if chosen. When questioned by the Daily Echo about Aribo’s possible participation in the competition, Martin responded, “Joe is extremely proud to play for Nigeria.”
“Nobody can be prevented from competing in the AFCON. You want them to fit when they travel there and return.
Joe needs to keep performing the way he has been performing, and I have no doubt that he will join their team.
He has long been a pillar of support in their group. They are the embodiment of everyone’s best hopes; you want the best for them.
“The most important thing is that they avoid injuries. Joe is incredibly proud (especially of Nigeria).
“A different employee asks him to bring back one of his shirts each time he leaves.
“I’ve asked him for his AFCON shirt for my son, so he needs to get into the squad so he can bring a shirt back for him,” Martin chuckled.
Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and the tournament’s host, Ivory Coast, are all placed in Group A.
The fact that the Super Eagles have a long roster of strong attackers, notably Victor Osimhen of Napoli, puts them among the favourites to win the competition.
Paul Onuachu, a forward on loan from the Saints, and former Saints winger Nathan Tella were also included in their provisional squad.
