Nigerian Duo, Aribo, Balogun Win Scottish Premiership With Rangers

Nigerian internationals, Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun have helped Coach Steven Gerrard-tutored Rangers to clinch the Scottish league diadem for the first time in 10 years

Both Super Eagles’ players were in good company with South African midfielder, Bongani Zungu in making the Gers’ dream come true as Celtic drew 0-0 against Dundee United on Sunday.

After the draw at Tannadice, Steven Gerrard’s men, who are unbeaten in the Scottish top-flight this season, opened an unassailable 20 point lead at the top of the table. The impressive performances ensured the Ibrox Stadium outfit ended their decade-long wait for the Premiership title, having won the trophy last in 2011.

Aribo and Balogun played pivotal roles in the success with their inspiring showing, even as Zungu, who is on loan from French side Amiens, made 12 league appearances for the Ibrox Stadium outfit.

On his part, Aribo has made 24 appearances in the elite division for the Gers this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists. The Nigerian has been with Rangers since the summer of 2019 after turning down a chance to extend his contract with Charlton Athletic.

Last season, he helped the Gers finish as runner-up behind Celtic and won the club’s Young Player of the Year for his efforts.

This is Aribo’s first title with the Ibrox Stadium outfit and his second career diadem after also winning the EFL League One play-offs with Charlton in 2019.

The 24-year-old has taken to social media to express his delight after helping Rangers secure their 55th league title.

Defender Balogun only joined Rangers last summer after leaving Wigan Athletic and has since been delivering solid defensive performances. He featured in 17 Premiership games and provided two assists in contributing to the Gers’ title run.

Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr had previously expressed his optimism that the Super Eagles stars will win the league diadem with Rangers.

According to the German manager; “It would be great for our players – Balogun and Aribo – if Rangers won the title.”

Rohr told Record Sport that; “There is no difference for Leon Balogun playing at right-back for Rangers just now because he’s played there before, for Nigeria and in Germany sometimes.

“He’s quick and intelligent and can change his position very quickly. For me, he’s strong enough to play either position.

“In the 2018 World Cup, he played at the right of a three-man central defence so is not quite a right back.”