After a remarkable run for Rangers, Joe Aribo claims he now has complete faith in his own abilities.
Aribo admitted that he was once a “shy player” who had self-doubts about his skills.
Despite having played significant roles for club and country, the Nigerian insisted that he is now a new player.
“Now I have self-belief, because I have the right people around me to give me that confidence to say ‘Yes, you’re the man that’s going to take on the game and change the game,”Aribo told BBC Sport.
“Some people like to take centre stage in everything they do in life, but I prefer to stay in the background and let others talk about my performance on the pitch.
“I honestly didn’t know I have played more games this season than any other player out there. I feel very happy to hear that.
“I also have got the strength from God – I know I can keep going whenever I feel tired.”
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the manager of Rangers, has pushed Aribo to perform in a variety of roles, which has contributed to some of his development.
“Playing in different positions has helped me realise what I’m capable of doing and also given me an opportunity to keep growing,” explained the Super Eagles star.
“As a young footballer craving a chance to play, you’d grab the chance to even play in goal. But here I am being asked to play for my club in different roles on the pitch, I was happy to do it.
“I must say I am no longer the player I was after going through that phase [of self-doubt].
“I am grateful to the manager for the trust, my teammates for believing in me and supporting me.”
