Super Eagles star scores first Premier League goal in 25 months

Nigeria international Joe Aribo has found the back of the net for Southampton in their Premier League clash against Leicester City inside the St Mary's Stadium today, Saturday, October 20, 2024, Soccernet.ng reports.

Aribo side-footed home a clever Kyle Walker-Peters cut-back to double the Saints' advantage against the wobbling Foxes.

Cameron Archer handed Southampton the lead in the 8th minute of the encounter before Aribo struck the second for the hosts twenty minutes later.

Aribo's goal is his first of the season, following Southampton's promotion from the Championship last term.

It is, however, the Super Eagles midfielder's first Premier League goal in 25 months.

The last time the 28-year-old former Rangers ace found the net in the competition was back in October 2022, when he netted the Saints' only goal in a 2-1 home defeat to Everton.

Compatriot Alex Iwobi set up the Toffees' winning goal on that day.

However, despite Southampton leading by two-nil at halftime, Leicester City, who paraded Wilfred Ndidi from start to finish, fought back brilliantly to claim a 3-2 victory. 

Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Vardy struck to level matters for the visitors before a late Jordan Ayew strike broke Southampton's hearts. 

Still, Aribo now has three goals in 28 appearances in the Premier League. 

He played 38 Championship games last season for Southampton, scored four goals and provided one assist.

The Nigerian star joined Southampton in July 2022 from Rangers, for whom he made 92 league appearances in total, scoring 18 goals and providing 16 assists.