Out-of-favour Super Eagles ace bounces back and is named Man of the Match against Getafe

English Premier League side Southampton wrapped up their preparations ahead of the start of a new season with an entertaining 0-0 draw against Spanish La Liga side Getafe, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Returning to the English Premier League after a season in the Championship, the match was their seventh pre-season game as they prepare for their opening game next weekend against Newcastle United.

With four wins so far, they were hoping to bounce back from their last game which was a 1-1 draw against Lazio, however they had to settle for a 0-0 draw, but team manager Russell Martins has a new reason to be excited.

Nigerian international midfielder Joe Aribo, who had a disappointing season last time out, showed the form that made him an instant hit at the club, performing solidly throughout the duration of the game.

Voted man of the match by many media outlets covering the game, Aribo used his strength effectively in duels and also kept possession in tight areas against a Getafe side that was unable to cope with his lethal combination play.

His performance has certainly put him in a good position to make the squad for the opening game of the season as they look to go one step further than the last time they were in the top flight of English football.

In Aribo’s case, he is expected to have a good enough season to help him force his way back into the senior Nigeria national team, after a poor showing at the AFCON left him out of the team’s last four matches, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively.

Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman