Three Nigerian players made it to the final of the Europa League final last night after Rangers turned over the 1-0 defeat they encountered at RB Leipzig during the first leg of the Semifinals. Rangers qualified on 3-2 aggregate after a transcendent victory of 3-1 over visitors RB Leipzig at the Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.
Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst deployed Joe Aribo to an unusual position of top9 since the injury to their talisman Kemar Roofe who was injured. Aribo, according to Rangers, has played the most minutes in the entire Europe. The 25-year-old has scored three goals in the Europa League and as well netted six league goals with 10 assists for Rangers this season. The phenomenon Central midfielder was voted one of Ranger’s best players this season.
Calvin Bassey was deployed to the central defense role against RB Leipzig, and the Nigerian was solid in his partnership with Connor Goldon. He has built himself as one of the most important players for Dutch coach. Leon Balogun came off the bench in the 59th minute to replace Jack R.
The first time in history to see three Nigerian players qualify for a Europa League final and the last Nigerians to play in the final after Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal.
Nigeria trio will be part of Rangers team that will face Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany on 18 May, 2022 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, Seville, Spain a week before the Championship final.
