Joe Aribo, three other Nigerian stars to get new Rangers coach as Steven Gerrard takes up Aston Villa role

Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, and Nnamdi Ofoborh will get a new boss in the coming days after Steven Gerrard left his role as Rangers manager.

The Liverpool hero has been named the new head coach of Premier League side Aston Villa, stepping into the role vacated by the sacked Dean Smith.

Considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, Gerrard became the Gers manager after drawing the curtain on a successful career spent mostly at Liverpool.

Gerrard was instrumental to the signing of Aribo in 2019 on a free transfer, with the former Charlton Athletic ace going on to make his Super Eagles debut under the tutelage of the ex-England international.

The former Liverpool captain also oversaw the signing of Nigerian defenders Balogun and Bassey, who played their part as the Gers romped to the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title.

Former Nigerian youth international Ofoborh also joined Rangers earlier this year after convincing Gerrard and team of his quality.

Gerrard leaves Rangers in good condition, with the reigning champions presently sitting top of the league table, four points ahead of second-place Celtic.

Aribo and Balogun are currently in the Tangier camp of the Super Eagles ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Liberia on November 13. But they could be working under a new boss when they return to Glasgow next week.