The Rangers midfielder has witnessed an incredible six months since moving to Scotland and has confessed that he is enjoying every minute of it.
But helping Steven Gerrard’s men qualify to the knockout stages of the Europa League has been the best moment of Joe Aribo’s stay in Scotland.
Twelve months ago, Aribo was slugging it out in the English League 1 with promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic. His ten goals in 39 appearances were crucial as Lee Bowyer’s men eventually made it to the Championship.
But Aribo made the unpopular decision of switching the Valley for the Ibrox over the summer and it has paid off in more ways than the 23-year-old could have imagined.
The Camberwell-born midfielder has since played – and scored – in the Europa League, made his debut – and scored – for the Super Eagles and, on Thursday, played a key role as the Gers made it to the knockout phase of the Europa League.
Rangers drew 1-1 with Young Boys on the night to finish second in Group G behind Porto, with Feyenoord and the Swiss side knocked out.
Though Aribo was a bit disappointed that Rangers threw away top spot with a late Young Boys equalizer, the Nigeria international was still thrilled by the chance to mix it up with the continent’s finest.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of the Europa League. It was one of the tasty things that brought me to the club in the first place and it’s been great to be involved so much,” the former Charlton man told the Scottish Sun.
“There have been so many new experiences for me since I came here.
“Getting to the knockout stages in Europe is definitely the highlight of it all so far — this is a massive one.
“Even making it to the group (stage) in the first place was huge, plus I’ve had success at international level (with Nigeria). It’s been amazing.”
Joe Aribo made a goalscoring debut for Nigeria against Ukraine (2-2) in September and has been an ever-present in Gernot Rohr’s first eleven since.
