TheCable

Taribo West, former Super Eagles star defender, has reportedly said Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Rangers midfielder, is too weak to play for the Nigerian side.

According to Daily Record UK, West said the Rangers star is not good enough to feature for the Super Eagles.

The former AC Milan player believes Oghenekaro Etebo, Getafe FC midfielder, should be the one playing ahead of Aribo.

The 23-year-old Rangers footballer scored on his debut for the three-time African champions in a 2-2 draw against Ukraine in September 2019.

Aribo, who had in October 2016 attributed his strengths to “driving with the ball and getting up the pitch”, also scored the only goal during Nigeria’s 1-1 friendly draw against Brazil the following month.

“I’ve watched Joe Aribo play for Nigeria, but in my view, it’s clear he is yet to come to terms with it,” West was quoted to have said.

“There’s no other way of putting this – I think Joe is not a bad player, but he needs time to adjust to African football. It’s not the same as playing in Europe.

“In Africa, there’s no time on the ball and for me, Oghenekaro Etebo is a far better option, He’s quick, physical and reads the game. He should get Joe Aribo’s spot when he comes back. African football is just too physical for Joe.”