Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has revealed that Nigeria’s disappointing round of 16 exit at the African Cup of Nations affected his form
Aribo was a shadow of his effervescent and energetic self after Nigeria’s elimination at the AFCON as he struggled for form and consistency. The Super Eagles suffered a 1-0 loss to Tunisia after dominating the group stage and winning the maximum points.
The versatile midfielder saw a sharp drop in his output and this was observed by the Gers faithful who said at the time that he was yet to leave Cameroon.
Assisted by Rangers’ Dutch coach, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Aribo said his experience was important to how he recovered from the disappointment as it was in his head.
“There was disappointment at [Nigeria] not going as far as I felt we could have done because we had a good group stage. There was a bit in my feelings and it showed in my form, ” he said.
“I had to put it behind me and had a chat with the manager. He said he’d been there, he’d been in about five semi-final losses and that’s a hard thing to endure. He really helped me get back.
“It’s always good to have a manager who has been there and done it. Everyone can go through their own things personally, but a manager with that kind of experience knows how to be and what buttons to push, ” Aribo told Scotsman.
