Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo showed his readiness for Nigeria’s doubleheader against Sierra Leone after netting a brace for the Gers in Sunday’s massive win over Hamilton Academical.
Nigerian international Aribo smashed in two goals in fifteen minutes to help Rangers to an 8-0 thrashing of Hamilton Academicàl at the Ibrox Stadium to send a clear message on his state of fitness ahead of the Super Eagles engagements against Sierra Leone next week.
Kemar Roofe, James Tavernier, and Aribo all grabbed a double each with further strikes from Scott Arfield and Brandon Barker sealing Rangers’ 12th victory of the Premiership campaign.
Arfield opened the scoring for Steven Gerrard’s men after just 16 minutes, and Kemar Roofe extended the home side’s advantage two minutes later before the Aribo show began.
The former Charlton Athletic midfielder provided a fine finish to make it 3-0 on the 19th-minute mark and then got his second of the game with ten minutes of the half left to play.
Four more goals in the second half against the league’s basement club helped Rangers tighten their hold on top spot on the league table.
Aribo’s compatriot Leon Balogun also delivered an excellent performance at the heart of the Gers’ defence to help the home side earn their fifth consecutive clean sheet in the league.
Steven Gerrard’s men have a nine-point advantage over Celtic, although the champions have two games at hand.
It’s the perfect way to announce his return to the international fold for Aribo, who missed Nigeria’s last two games against Algeria and Tunisia due to injury.
The 24-year-old is part of the Nigerian squad invited by head coach Gernot Rohr for the Afcon games against Sierra Leone, and he will be expected to play a crucial role in securing victory over the West African foes.
