SUPER Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo was an unused substitute tonight as Southampton produced a stunning upset in the Carabao Cup at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Nigeria international watched on from the bench as the Saints defeated Manchester City 2-0 in the quarter-final of the competition.
Sekou Mara struck in the 23rd minute after fine approach play to give the hosts a shock lead.
Southampton then made it 2-0 against a strangely subdued City side five minutes later with a spectacular long-range strike to seal the victory against the side who have won the competition six times in the last nine years.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rested key players including Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne with Saturday’s derby with Manchester United at Old Trafford in mind, but even when he brought them on there was little difference.
With the win, Southampton have reached their first Carabao Cup semi-final since 2017, when they lost in the final to Manchester United.
It is Guardiola’s first domestic cup quarter-final defeat in his managerial career.
In the other quarter-final, Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis was a second-half substitute for Nottingham Forest as they defeated Wolves 5-4 on penalties.
With Nigeria international and the side’s top scorer Taiwo Awoniyi not in the squad due to a knock, Forest took the lead through former Wolves defender Willy Boly in the 18th minute.
Raul Jimenez drew Wolves level in the 64th minute and the contest went straight to penalties after regulation time ended 1-1.
It is Forest’s first Carabao Cup semi-final since 1992.
In the semi-finals, Forest will battle Manchester United while Southampton will come up against Newcastle United.
