In an exciting pre-season friendly match on Saturday, Southampton emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over Reading, and it was Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo who stole the show.
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Despite coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute, Joe Aribo made a significant impact by securing Southampton’s fourth goal.
He brilliantly finished off a well-executed cross from Ché Adams, confidently sweeping the ball into the net from a distance of 10 yards, extending Southampton’s lead to 4-1.
However, Paul Onuachu, another Nigerian talent, was notably absent from the Saints’ squad for the friendly encounter.
Fans were left wondering about the reasons for his absence and eagerly anticipate his return in the upcoming fixtures.
Southampton’s next pre-season challenge will be against Premier League club Bournemouth, scheduled for Tuesday, July 25.
The match promises to be an intriguing test for the team as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
Joe Aribo’s impressive performances have been instrumental in Southampton‘s previous campaigns, as he managed to score two goals in 21 Premier League appearances.
Unfortunately, despite his contributions, Southampton faced relegation to the Championship. Nevertheless, they are determined to bounce back and prove their mettle in the second-tier competition.
Their first Championship game will take place on August 4, and it will be an away fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.
Fans will be eagerly watching and hoping that Aribo and the rest of the squad can lead Southampton to a strong start and pave their way back to the Premier League.