The Nigerian international midfielder lit up proceedings at Ibrox on Boxing Day with his sublime touch and movement in the 1-0 win over Hibernian.
Browsing: Joe Aribo
Ianis Hagi’s first-half strike proved the difference between the two sides as Jack Ross’ Hibees put the Premiership leaders under heavy pressure at home in a Boxing Day battle.
The victory is the tenth consecutive home league win for Steven Gerrard’s men this season, did not come easy against the Hibs, who had not lost any of their last nine matches.
Having silenced Motherwell 3-1 the last time out, the Gers went to McDiarmid Park to pick maximum points at the expense of Callum Davidson’s men.
Centre-half Balogun was impressive at the heart of the defence as the Gers secured yet another clean sheet to underline their title aspirations.
The Rangers boss revealed fitness doubts over Ryan Jack and Bongani Zungu earlier this week.
While Balogun was on for the entire 90 minutes, Aribo was substituted in 74th minute of the tie
The tie is slated to kick off 5pm Nigeria time
Aribo, Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier all scored doubles, while Brandon Barker was also on the scoresheet as Gers maintained their nine-point lead at the top.
Ianis Hagi dispossessed Efe Ambrose and set up Jermain Defoe, whose shot was stopped by the goalkeeper’s legs.
Ndidi’s absence, due to a groin injury, for which he has undergone surgery, also opens the door for at least one exciting new prospect – Frank Onyeka of FC Midtylland in Denmark – to follow in Joe Aribo’s footsteps and make his mark on the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian is amongst the most talented player at the club and despite a run of good form from the side, his absence will surely have been felt by teammates.
Boss Steven Gerrard revealed earlier on Friday the midfielder could face a further six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle problem
The former African Champions will filed out against Ivory Coast on October 10, while they battle Tunisia three days later at the same venue
All three were missing from the Ibrox outfit’s previous match against Hamilton, but it did not prove to be an obstacle for the 54-time Scottish champions as they saw off their opponents 2-0.
After a year in Glasgow, Aribo now feels more a lot comfortable in his surroundings and he is ready to enjoy a productive campaign.
Steven Gerrard’s men drew a blank against Livingston on Sunday, and Laudrup believes Joe Aribo’s absence was evident.
The Light Blues playmaker was badly missed by his side as they laboured to a goalless Premiership draw at Livingston.
Rangers confirmed that Aribo missed the tie due to a “slight knock”.
The midfielder enjoyed an encouraging debut campaign at Ibrox last term and netted nine times – including a stunning solo strike against Braga – for the Light Blues.