Rangers coach not thinking about resting Nigerian trio ahead of potential AFCON duty

Published: December 10, 2021

Glasgow Rangers have a hectic fixture schedule in December with eight matches to be played and could possibly be without three of their first team African stars for some of the matches this month.

Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun have locked in guaranteed roster spots for the Super Eagles at the 2021 African Cup of Nations barring an injury and Calvin Bassey is knocking on the door following his recent impressive displays for Rangers.

The Nigeria Football Federation have arranged a pre-AFCON training camp for the Super Eagles after Christmas but Rangers are seeking to delay the release of their Nigerian trio until after their Premiership match with city rivals Celtic on January 2.

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst was asked at the pre-match press conference before the visit to Hearts if he will play his Nigerian players more in December or try other lineups to get that sorted for their absence.

The Dutchman responded : "We know there is the Africa Cup of Nations coming in January but that's something for January.

"I just focus on the games we have with Rangers until January 2, that's our number one priority.

"That's my focus, I am not thinking about resting those players because they play in the African Cup.

"The main focus is to get three points every game we play with Rangers".

The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Cameroon on January 9, 2022 with the final taking place on February 6.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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