Contrasting fortunes for Nigerian stars as Aribo’s Rangers return to winning ways, while Leicester City are disgraced

The Nigerian trio in Scotland had a wonderful night, but it was sore tales for Iheanacho and his teammates in England 

Super Eagles players Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun, and Calvin Bassey were outstanding as Rangers cruised to an emphatic 5-0 victory over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

The Gers had to return to winning ways after a humiliation against Celtic last time out, and they did so in style as they secured a solid victory at home.

Alfredo Morelos put the Gers ahead in the first half to give Rangers a 1-0 lead at halftime. The Gers came out hungrier in the second half, and goals from Morelos, Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield, and Fashion Sakala ensured an emphatic victory for the Premiership champions.

Aribo had an average game in midfield as he had a 73 per cent pass accuracy. Balogun was outstanding in defence, blocking everything that came his way, winning eight of his 13 duels and making three clearances.

Calvin Bassey was also good on the night with 105 touches and  73 per cent accuracy. However, despite the win, Rangers remain second, a point behind Celtic.

Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Leicester City. Still, he, alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman were unable to help the foxes as they suffered an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Championship side Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

The Foxes travelled to City Ground in their quest to defend their FA Cup trophy. The Nigerian stars were in Brendan Rodgers’ starting lineup.

However, the night quickly turned sour for the defending champions as they conceded two quickfire goals.  Philip Zinckernagel put the Reds ahead in the 23rd minute before Brennan Johnson doubled their lead just a minute later.

The Foxes looked out of ideas on the night, and Joe Worrall added to their misery in the 34th minute after he made it 3-0.

Nevertheless, Iheanacho stepped up five minutes before the break, making it 3-1, giving Leicester City a lifeline.

It turned out to be a farce as the Foxes kept up with their lackadaisical attitude in the second half. Ndidi was average on the night, and a yellow card was all he could show, in addition to an 88 per cent pass accuracy and four interceptions.

Lookman was poor on the night with just 22 touches in the game, and he lost the ball eight times.

The Foxes’ night ended when Djed Spence put the final nail in their coffin to make it 4-1, dashing the hopes of the defending champions.