Southampton manager, Russel Martin has affirmed that the club will not impede Joe Aribo’s participation with Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Aribo, who has experienced a resurgence in his career at Southampton and even scored in their 5-0 demolition of Swansea City in the English Championship, is expected to be included in Nigeria’s final squad for the 2023 AFCON finals.

As Nigeria prepare to open their camp in Abu Dhabi, on January 1, the Midfielder is likely to be away for a month if the team progresses to the final stages of the competition.

Manager Russel Martin emphasized the importance of allowing Aribo and other African players in the team to represent their countries on the international stage.

“We can’t stop anyone. You want them to go there fit and come back fit. Joe needs to keep playing, now he has been playing and I’m sure he will get into their squad,” Martin told Daily Echo.

“He has been a mainstay in their squad for quite a while. They go with everyone’s best wishes, as you want them to do well.”