Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo and Nigeria continue their AFCON campaign later this afternoon when they face Sudan in their second game of the group stage of Africa’s premier international competition.
The Ibrox midfielder played a vital role in setting up Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal in the 1-0 win over Egypt in the opening game and will be hoping for a repeat this afternoon.
The two sides have met twice before at the finals of AFCON, both winning a game apiece, Nigeria coming out 1-0 winners when they last met in 1976.
Interim Super Eagles boss Augustine Eguavoen insists his side will approach today’s game with the same respect as any other side, as they look to make it two wins from two and book their place in the next round, saying: “I cannot look down on anybody, if you do that, you will be making a very big mistake.
“So, the Sudanese team will not be an exception. We will approach them the same way we did against Egypt.
“They are a respected side and not a weak side at all. We will play them with utmost respect.
“Every game comes with a different plan. Sudan are not pushovers and more so, they are on one point and we have three points.
“We want to consolidate on that, while they will be pushing harder to have a chance to qualify.”
The Rangers will be looking to replicate his performance against Egypt in the opening game of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign where he had 42 touches, won all four of his ground duels, made a key pass, completed his only dribble attempt, made a clearance and was fouled once, while he also completed two tackles and wasn’t dribbled past as he played the full 90 minutes [SofaScore].
With the game broadcast live on Sky Sports, Rangers fans will be able to tune in and see how Aribo and the Super Eagles get on in their second game of the tournament – kick-off is at 4 pm.
Meanwhile, a promising homegrown talent made a good contribution for his loan club on Friday night.