Southampton Coach, Russell Martin has commended the character of Nigeria midfielder, Joe Aribo after scoring his first goal of the English Championship season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Super Eagles midfielder opened score for the Saints in their 5-0 thrashing of Swansea in their Boxing Day fixture on Tuesday.
Martin, after the encounter, extolled Aribo's virtue of patience and hard work, stating that he waited for his chance after enduring a time of injury.
Aribo has been in the line up in the last 5 matches of Southampton, but prior to that had started just one game. However, Martin stated that during these times, Aribo remained professional.
“He’s been amazing,” said Martin. “He’s had to be so patient. He had to wait for his chance because he came back late because he was away with Nigeria, then got injured, was out for a few weeks.
“And when you miss pre-season it's really tough. And the team was becoming settled at that point and we hadn't seen the best of him because he was fighting for fitness whilst training, whilst the games were going on. It's so difficult.
“But he's been a brilliant teammate, an amazing character as you know. He's humble, works hard, smiling. I've not seen many players or teammates that are as popular as him, even when you're not playing, which is like the biggest credit to him, really.
The Saints Coach disclosed that he is happy for the Nigerian who was frustrated and desperate to show what he can do.
“So he was so frustrated and desperate to get to show what he can do. So he had to wait for his moment and then it's come and he's been incredible, really, really amazing.
“I’m really grateful to him that he persisted, and the players are enjoying him being in the team. They trust him and I think the players are really enjoying it as well.
“I said to him today before the game, no credit to me at all, but I said you have a chance to score today. I said Sam Edozie is going to set it up, because they're really tight mates, but he didn't. But he played a part.
“But yeah, I felt like it was coming because he gets in the box relentlessly. He works so hard for the team out of possession and in and I've really enjoyed his performances.”
Southampton who are third play Plymouth Argyle next on Friday, 29th December and it is expected that Joe Aribo will continue his impressive performance.
Uche Dozie