Joe Aribo has asked his international team for some time off after a marathon run with Rangers ended in him earning a move to Southampton.
The versatile playmaker clinched his big move to the Premier League in the summer after a 2021/22 term for both club and country brought over 60 games, including a goal in the Europa League final in May. He's already appeared seven times for his new employers but with another set of international matches to come, it appears to have taken his toll.
After such a rampant run, the former Rangers midfielder will now take a well earned period of rest. A Nigerian international side spokesperson said: "[Joe] Aribo is very much part of Jose Peseiro’s plans. He was not dropped for the matches against Algeria because the player asked to be excused for him to take some rest after his recent transfer to the Premier League in England.”
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Aribo arrived at Rangers under Steven Gerrard and proved an influential figure in their run to the spring's European final.
International teammate Calvin Bassey also left Ibrox in the summer, heading for Ibrox, and he has linked up with the Super Eagles.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side are on their international break just now and return to action in October against Hearts.
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