SAINTS midfielder Joe Aribo has been called up by Nigeria for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Manager Jose Peseiro has included Aribo in his 25-man squad ahead of next month's tournament in Ivory Coast.

The 27 year old could miss up to five games should the Super Eagles advance to the final, which takes place on February 11.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and tournament hosts Ivory Coast.

They are among the favourites to win the tournament, in part due to their strong list of goal-getting forwards - which includes Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

Here are the Southampton games Aribo could miss while away with his national team.

Saints vs Sheffield Wednesday - Saturday, January 13.

Swansea City vs Saints - Saturday, January 20.

Saints vs Hull City - Saturday, January 27 (should Nigeria progress to the round of 16).

Rotherham vs Saints - Saturday, February 3 (should Nigeria reach the quarter-finals).

Saints vs Huddersfield - Saturday, February 10 (should Nigeria reach the final).

Aribo has become a more regular fixture for Saints in recent weeks having started five of their last six games.

"He goes with everyone's blessing. Joe has got incredible pride for Nigeria," Martin noted earlier this month.

"Every time he goes away a different member of staff asks him to bring one of his shirts back.

"I've asked him for his AFCON shirt for my son so he needs to get into the squad so he can bring a shirt back for him."