Aribo scores on full Rangers return in victory over Livingston

The Nigeria international registered his second goal in the 2020-21 season to help the Gers secure three points at Ibrox Stadium

Joe Aribo scored on his full return from injury in Rangers’ 2-0 victory over Efe Ambrose’s Livingston in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership game.

The 24-year-old was out of action for more than eight weeks after he suffered a muscle injury against St. Johnstone in August.

He made a cameo appearance against Celtic after replacing Scott Arfield in the 89th minute and came off the bench in the Gers’ Europa League win over Standard Liege.

The Nigeria international was then handed a starting role at Ibrox Stadium against Gary Holt’s men and delivered a fine performance to help his side clinch all three points.

The midfielder wasted no time to announce his full return from injury when he put Steven Gerrard’s men in front with a well-taken effort after he was set up by Ianis Hagi in the ninth minute. 

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jermain Defoe then doubled Rangers lead in the 16th minute after receiving a timely pass from James Tavernier.

The second half saw less goal-mouth action as the Gers could not add to their first-half lead with Livingston, who paraded Nigeria international Ambrose for 46 minutes, managing to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

Aribo featured for 75 minutes before he was replaced by Arfield while his compatriot Leon Balogun was an unused substitute in the encounter.

The victory ensured Rangers consolidated their lead at the top of the Premiership table after securing 32 points from 12 games.

Aribo has now featured in five games across all competitions for Rangers in the 2020-21 campaign and will hope to continue his impressive form when his side takes on Lech Poznan in a Europa League game on October 29.

The midfielder has been at the Ibrox Stadium since the summer of 2019 and delivered eye-catching performances in his debut season to win the Gers’ Young Player of the Season award.

Aribo has four caps for the Super Eagles since he made his international debut for the West Africans in 2019.

The midfielder will be expected to replicate his fine club form for the Super Eagles in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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