Joe Aribo's Christmas wish comes true after first goal in 14 months

Nigeria Super Eagles star Joe Aribo is back among the goals following a 14-month hiatus after helping five-star Southampton to an emphatic win against Swansea.

Aribo was one of the scorers as the Saints thrashed the Swans 5-0 during their clash in the Championship on Boxing Day. 

The playmaker and his compatriot at the club, Samuel Edozie played decisive roles as Southampton continued the push for promotion with a comfortable and convincing victory. 

Aribo, 27, who looked at home in a central midfield role opened the floodgate with a 17th minute strike to give the Saints a narrow lead at the break.

The goal was the first for the former Rangers man for his club or Nigeria since he netted the consolation in a 2-1 defeat at home to Everton in the Premier League last season.

British-born Nigerian, Edozie, would not be outshone as he scored to next goal to double Southampton three minutes into the second half.

Ryan Fraser, who netted a brace, and Adam Armstrong, who also assisted Aribo and one of Fraser’s goals, were the other scorers on a memorable day for the Saints.

After the match, Aribo told the club media that he wanted a goal as a Christmas gift and was happy it came to pass. 

“It’s a massive win for, it’s so important to start fast and play well,” the Super Eagles star stated in a video posted on Southampton’s social media account.

“Someone asked me earlier today ‘What would I want for Christmas?’ and I said ‘To score’. So, I got my wish, thankful to God,” he added.

Aribo’s first goal of the season comes just a few weeks before the start of the AFCON2023. The Southampton player is part of Nigeria’s 40-man provisional squad for the tournament slated for Cote d’Ivoire in early January.