It was a disappointing night for Rangers as they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt, but there were a few positives to take from the game
Super Eagles star Joe Aribo’s 57th-minute strike for Rangers against Eintracht Frankfurt ensured that he matched Alex Iwobi’s feat to become the second Nigerian player to score in the final of a major European competition.
Aribo has been terrific for the Gers this season. The Super Eagles star has the most appearances for the club at (56). And it is not farfetched, as Aribo has been consistent, except for a short lull on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Joe Aribo becomes only the second Nigerian to score in a European club competition final:
◎ Alex Iwobi vs Chelsea (2019)
◉ Joe Aribo vs Frankfurt (2022) #UEL pic.twitter.com/tpX7XQL3IE— Squawka (@Squawka) May 18, 2022
Due to injury problems, Rangers gaffer Giovanni Van Bronckhorst played Aribo as a false nine, and the Nigeria international repaid the trust with a clinical finish behind Kevin Trapp to give the Gers the lead in the second half.
Aribo’s goal was not enough to give his side the victory, as an equalizer from Rafael Borre ensured that the final went into penalties.
Rangers lost the shootout, but Aribo would look to take solace because, despite the array of world-class stars that Nigeria has paraded presently and in the past, he is only the second Nigerian to score in a European competition.
Joe Aribo becomes only the second Nigerian to score in a European club competition final:
◎ Alex Iwobi vs Chelsea (2019)
◉ Joe Aribo vs Frankfurt (2022) #UEL pic.twitter.com/tpX7XQL3IE— Squawka (@Squawka) May 18, 2022
The first player to score in a final was Alex Iwobi in Arsenal’s 4-1 pummeling at the hands of Chelsea three years ago.
