The Nigeria international saw action for the entire duration of the encounter and assisted Alfredo Morelos’ winner as Steven Gerrard’s side claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at the Ibrox Stadium on Thursday.
A closely fought tie was eventually settled by substitute Alfredo Morelos, whose shot in the 65th minute – supplied by Joe Aribo – was enough to hand the three points to title-chasing Rangers.
The home side started the brighter of the two teams and should have gone ahead in the 14th minute, but Borna Barisic’s right footed shot from the left side of the box was saved as it seemed destined for the top centre of the goal.
Aribo then had his shot blocked moments later. The trio of Ryan Kent, Ryan Jack and Nikola Katic all missed chances to open the scoring, but the best chance of the half was created moments before half time.
Aribo was once again involved in the build-up, but it was Glen Kamara who struck a fierce right footed shot from outside the box, however, the bar came to Kilmarnock’s rescue.
The second half started similarly, but Rangers did not find the breakthrough until Steven Gerrard sent on Alfredo Morelos to replace veteran forward, Jermain Defoe
The Colombian raised the roof of the Ibrox with his 23rd goal of an incredible season. The goal was, however, all thanks to Aribo, the Super Eagles midfielder staying cool under pressure to supply the assist for the game’s winner.
The 23-year-old former Charlton Athletic playmaker is enjoying a resurgence in form having also scored in Rangers’ 3-0 win at Hibernian six days ago.
The triumph over Kilmarnock takes the Gers to 47 points in 18 league games, 5 points behind Celtic but with a game in hand on the champions.
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