Joe Aribo has revealed his fear after he was handed Nigeria’s No 10 jersey on his debut in the 2-2 draw with host Ukraine at the Dnipro-Arena in Dnipro in September 2019.
Aribo told the Daily Mail he is also looking forward to next year at both the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup as the latest proud wearer of Nigeria’s prized No.10 shirt.
‘Getting called up was a surreal feeling and one I definitely didn’t expect, from where I’ve come from but it just showed me how far I’ve come,’ Aribo said.
‘I’ll never forget my first game with the No.10. They left the spot [in the changing room] for me and I didn’t sit there because I was thinking “this can’t be me.”
‘They said “no, this is you” and when I was warming up I was thinking “yo, this is crazy. The ten for Nigeria.” I didn’t know how to feel. A crazy feeling. In football, let alone Nigeria the No.10 shirt is iconic. If you’re wearing it you’ve got to be a good player so I feel like I have to be good.’
Aribo also revealed joining Rangers in the Scottish Premiership has toughened him up as a professional player as he has found greater demands from the fans but increased adulation too.
‘I would say probably the day I signed [was when he realised just how big Rangers are],’ Aribo said.
‘It was like a whole different ball game. I was staying in a hotel initially and went into town quickly just to get a few bits and people are asking me for pictures, stopping me and I’m thinking “wow this is my first day, I’ve just signed.” That was overwhelming.
‘Another experience was my first Old Firm, another day that just showed me this is massive. I couldn’t hear myself thinking.
‘You know when you try and speak to yourself in a game it was so loud. The atmosphere was amazing. The occasion actually got the better of me that day and it was so much for me to take in.’
This season’s title win meanwhile, has given Aribo the thirst for more success.
‘The title this year is my first one,’ Aribo said. ‘I love this feeling and just want to have it as much as possible in my career.’