Aribo makes 'love' Southampton admission after watching team at AFCON

The 27 year old was a shining light in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Hull City with his performance and goal from the bench.

It was the Nigerian international's second substitute appearance since returning from the Ivory Coast and he is now in line to start. 

Aribo was unable to help his country secure a gold medal after defeat to Ivory Coast in the competition final nearly two weeks ago. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Aribo said: "I have been welcomed massively and it is always nice to feel the love from all the people around. 

Joe Aribo scored his second goal of the season on Tuesday (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It is important to make an immediate mark when you have been away for a long time. You worry whether it might take a long time to get back into it. 

"It was important for me to hit the ground running and put in performances that I know I am capable of."

He added: "For me, I wanted to come on, change the game and make an impact. When you are not playing well, you need a reaction. 

"That was what the manager said to me, to leave it out all there and give your all.

"I watched every single game while I was away, cheering the boys on - which was a good feeling. 

"For me, it is about the team and as long as we are winning, it doesn't matter if I am playing or if I am not playing."

Although Aribo's Nigeria were beaten 2-1 in the final in Abijdan, thanks to a Seb Haller winner, he created memories to cherish. 

Aribo added five caps to his collection, including five minutes in the final as his nation hunted an equaliser. 

"It was an amazing experience and one that I would not take away," the former Rangers man said. 

"When you're playing football, you go through so many of those moments and especially when you're winning big games. 

The former Charlton and Rangers man has won 23 Nigeria caps (Image: Stuart Martin)

"They are memories that you will never forget and I want to keep writing stories and making memories."

Aribo continued: "I never really dwell on the now because I always feel like there is more to come. 

"I have finished playing there and now I am straight back here - so I have not had any time to look back on it. 

"When I retire and finish my career, I am sure it is something I will look back on then."

Aribo's attentions now turn to getting Southampton's promotion campaign back on track.

Saints host Millwall on Saturday, February 24 (3pm), knowing a win could take them back to second in the Championship.

Examining the defeat to Hull, which ended an 11-match winning run in all competitions at St Mary's, Aribo admitted: "It is more frustrating. 

"First of all we wanted to win and we want to win every game we play. There is a bit of frustration with the performance and the result.

"We set out to win and didn't get the result but we are going to dust ourselves off, we will look back at the game and recover.

"Then we will go out there and listen to the manager's game plan. We know that's what we need to do to get three points."