Former Golden Eaglets star makes league debut for Motherwell in 1-1 draw v Dessers' Rangers

Former Golden Eaglets forward Ibrahim Said made his league debut for Scottish Premiership side Motherwell in their 1-1 draw with Rangers on the opening day of the 2025-2026 season at Fir Park. 

Said, who signed a two-year deal with Motherwell during the summer after leaving Danish club Viborg, came off the bench in the 79th minute to replace Apostolos Stamatelopoulos.

The 23-year-old, who featured for Nigeria at the 2019 Fifa U17 World Cup, added energy and attacking threat to the home side as they pushed for an equalizer.

Rangers, led in attack by Brazilian forward Danilo Pereira da Silva, had taken the lead through captain James Tavernier in the first half.

Meanwhile, Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers, also starting from the bench, was introduced in the 63rd minute for Danilo but couldn’t inspire his side to victory.

Motherwell’s persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Emmanuel Longelo found the back of the net from inside the box to secure a well-deserved point for the hosts.

The result is a setback for Rangers, who are aiming to reclaim the Premiership title from fierce rivals Celtic. 

Meanwhile, Said will be pleased with his league debut, having made an immediate impact off the bench in front of the Motherwell faithful.

Adeyemi Adewale

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