Three Nigerians feature as Glasgow Rangers begin pre-season with win

Published: July 05, 2021

Scottish Premiership champions Glasgow Rangers got their pre-season underway with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill on Monday night.

In a first half with few clear-cut chances, the Light Blues had the first real opportunity to break the deadlock but Jermain Defoe saw his close range effort saved by goalkeeper Jamie Sneddon.

Manager Steven Gerrard made ten changes at the break, with Nigerian trio Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey among the new entrants.

New signing from Bournemouth Nnamdi Ofoborh was not included in the matchday 23.

Aribo and Balogun are back to fitness after pulling out of the Super Eagles squad for last month's friendlies against Cameroon in Austria due to injuries.

The only goal of the game arrived seven minutes from time, with Cedric Itten blasting the ball home from close range.

Rangers have arranged a series of friendlies to prepare the squad for the new season and their next game comes up against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, July 10, before facing Arsenal (July 17) and Blackpool (July 21).

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com