Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo could continue in an unfamiliar role as a makeshift center-back for Southampton, with head coach Ivan Juric expressing confidence in his ability to adapt to the position.
Aribo was deployed as an emergency center-back during Southampton’s 2-1 win over Ipswich Town last week.
The 27-year-old started the game in his usual midfield role and even opened the scoring in the 21st minute.
However, he was forced into defense after injuries sidelined Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens.
With both defenders still expected to be unavailable for Southampton’s FA Cup clash against Burnley on Saturday, Aribo may once again be called upon to fill in at the back.
“You need players that can play against fast players, and it’s much more important to be fast than maybe it is to be tall,” Juric told the Daily Echo.
“It’s like a different concept of football and maybe (James) Bree is doing well as a right-centre-back because he has these characteristics for the position.
“And Aribo, normally if I use him always there, he will go down, because mentally he’s a midfielder and he wants to attack. But sometimes, he’s a great guy, he can do it.”
Aribo is no stranger to positional changes. During his time at Rangers, he was often used as a false nine.
While playing at center-back presents a completely different challenge, Southampton’s matchup against Burnley could serve as another test of his versatility.
Super Eagles Chances in Doubt?
Joe Aribo in action for the Super Eagles.
Despite his adaptability, Aribo’s place in the Super Eagles squad remains uncertain. New head coach Eric Chelle has a wealth of midfield options at his disposal, which could make it difficult for the Southampton man to break into the starting lineup.
However, his ability to play in multiple positions might give him an edge as Nigeria faces must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
With just three points from their four games, the Super Eagles need to win all six remaining matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
