Two Super Eagles stars standout performers in Rangers convincing win over Dundee

Nigerian internationals Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey were brilliant for the Gers as the champions made light work of the visitors

Nigerian international Joe Aribo made the vital breakthrough with the opening goal as Rangers handed Dundee FC a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing at the Ibrox on Saturday.

In the absence of Leon Balogun, compatriot Calvin Bassey continued to fill in for the Gers at the heart of the defence and was solid as the home side kept another clean sheet.

Dundee were always going to be a tough nut to crack for the reigning champions, with the visitors winning three of their last four games.

And they put up a firm resistance for the opening 36 minutes until Aribo showed his quality to help Rangers grab the all-important breakthrough and ease any frustration around Ibrox.

The Super Eagles midfielder scored the winner when these sides met at Dens Park, and he showed his quick feet to get away from the Dundee defence and aimed a shot that found its way into the back of the net after a deflection off Liam Fontaine.

It was Aribo’s second goal in his last three matches and his fifth of the season for the Gers.

The 25-year-old is evidently in peak form heading into the last few weeks that precede the Africa Cup of Nations and could be crucial to the Super Eagles’ continental title hopes.

The Nigerian national team is looking short of goalscoring midfielders ahead of Cameroon 2021, with Alex Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, and Innocent Bonke all lacking confidence and goals at the moment.

Aribo’s performance would delight head coach Gernot Rohr who needs goals to be spread across his team with injured star striker Victor Osimhen likely to miss the Afcon.

Ryan Sweeney’s 55th-minute own-goal and Alfredo Morelos’ late effort made it a comfortable afternoon for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men.