Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich
Southampton’s head coach, Ivan Juric, has heaped praise on Nigerian duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their crucial goals secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, lifting the Saints’ spirits in a turbulent season.
Heading into the match at Portman Road, Southampton had endured a disastrous run of form, managing just one win in 23 league outings. The poor results had left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, struggling to find consistency. However, Aribo’s first-half opener and Onuachu’s late winner ensured the Saints claimed all three points, marking Juric’s first victory since taking charge of the club.
After the match, an elated Juric expressed his delight with the team’s resilience and singled out Aribo and Onuachu for their outstanding performances.
“It’s a great feeling,” Juric told Southampton’s official website. “I think we’ve played even better games, like against Manchester United, but didn’t get the points. Today, we suffered in some moments, but the guys showed great character, and we deserved the win.”
The head coach particularly praised Onuachu for his persistence and impact off the bench, highlighting his decisive goal as a testament to his hard work.
“It was a great moment. He [Onuachu] deserved it because he worked hard. It’s his second goal, and I believe he can score more. His work rate for the team has been fantastic,” Juric said.
Aribo, who has played in various positions this season, also earned special recognition for his versatility and commitment.
“Joe [Aribo] is a great guy. He always puts the team first—whether he’s playing in attack, midfield, or even defense. Today, he played left centre-back in the second half, and he did an amazing job. He worked really hard, and his performance was fantastic,” Juric added.
Southampton Still in Trouble Despite Crucial Win
While the victory was a morale booster for the struggling Saints, their position in the league remains precarious. With just nine points from 24 English Premier League games, Southampton still sit at the bottom of the table and are facing the real threat of relegation to the EFL Championship.
However, the performances of Aribo and Onuachu, along with Juric’s growing influence on the squad, offer a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround in their campaign. The Saints will need more inspired performances from their key players if they are to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their Premier League status.
As Southampton prepares for their next crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Aribo and Onuachu to continue delivering when it matters most. Can they help the Saints pull off an unlikely escape? Time will tell.
