SAINTS midfielder Joe Aribo's Nigeria progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday evening.

An Ademola Lookman brace secured a 2-0 win over Cameroon in Abidjan to send the Super Eagles through.

Aribo was named on the bench and remained as an unused substitute, while loaned-out forward Paul Onuachu came on in the 100th minute.

Former Rangers man Aribo has started one game and made one substitute appearance for Jose Peseiro's side so far.

The Super Eagles have come under fire in Nigeria for a lack of goals having only scored five in four outings.

But they have been solid at the back, keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

Speaking ahead of their win over Cameroon, Aribo defended Nigeria's approach, saying: "Our aim is to win.

"We want to do it convincingly, but we have to stay solid defensively. I know everything will gel going forward and the goals will start flowing.

"We're just thankful honestly because they (the fans) keep us going. They're amazing supporters and we want to give back to the nation so that's what we want to do."

Nigeria will face Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday, February 2.

That will rule Aribo out of Southampton's trip to Rotherham on Saturday, February 3.