Joe Aribo, a midfielder for Southampton, claims that Nigeria’s failure to make it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is still the low point of his career.
After losing to their enduring rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in the playoff round, the Super Eagles were denied a spot at the World Cup.
The Black Stars were held to a 0-0 draw by the three-time African champions in Kumasi, but they were eliminated due to the away-goal rule after the teams played to a 1-1 tie in Abuja for the second leg.
Aribo featured in both legs of the qualifiers for the Super Eagles.
The former Rangers of Scotland star will now have to wait for another four years before fulfilling his dream of playing at the global soccer fiesta.
“I will say probably one of my lowest moments in football, not just because we are not going to the World Cup but in the manner it happened against Ghana,” Aribo told Southampton’s official website.
“Of course, the rivalry, so there is just a lot to take in.”
When asked if his versatility is a benefit to his game, he said “I think it’s a blessing and a curse personally.
“Like you said, I can play in so many different roles so I can help the team but it’s like I’m not really mastering one position but I think for me, it’s good I can help the team in so many different ways.”