The sublime bargain basement transfer business of Rangers has been highlighted by the praise of the Nigerian national team manager.
Two Ibrox first teamers in Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun are currently major players for the Super Eagles, who are considered amongst the most talented and strongest African footballing nation.
Both players earned the applause of the country’s national team manager Gernot Rohr, but the German coach also admitted his country’s scouts had an eye on two other Rangers stars.
Calvin Bassey, 21, is eligible for the African nation whilst Nmandi Ofoborh – set to join Rangers in the summer on a pre-contract deal from Bournemouth – is the fourth member of the Gers Nigerian contingent.
“It would be great for our players – Balogun and Aribo – if Rangers won the title,” said Rohr [Daily Record].
“We have been watching Rangers a lot and scouting all their games and there’s also Calvin Bassey and Nnamdi Ofoborh who is an Under-20 international who both have Nigerian roots so the challenge is there for them to join them.
“It is great that they are getting so much exposure and success at a club the size of Rangers and, as well as domestically, they have played at a very high level in Europe.”
All four of these players joined Rangers on either free contract or pre-contract moves, with Balogun a bargain summer deal whilst Aribo cost a measly £300k when he signed an Ibrox deal in 2019.
Bassey joined in the summer from Leicester whilst Ofoborh is another young Nigerian talent looking to impress in Glasgow when he joins later in the year.
For the club to sign four players now being considered for international recognition is a huge feat for which the scouting and recruitment departments deserve particular praise.
But it was the players who are currently in Rohr’s squad who earned the most praise with “leader” Leon Balogun applauded by the country’s head coach.
“I have known Balogun for a very long time. He has a German mentality and has good speed which is very important for a central defender or full-back as he can play both positions,” said Rohr.
“There is no difference for Leon Balogun playing at right-back for Rangers just now because he’s played there before, for Nigeria and in Germany sometimes.
“He’s quick and intelligent and can change his position very quickly.
“Leon has a very good character and self-confidence and I was happy when he moved to Glasgow Rangers because he didn’t play enough in England.
“Leon is one of the leaders in my group and I’m happy he has had success in European competition with Rangers. He is also one of my vice-captains, we have a young team in Nigeria and he is an experienced player which is vital.
“I’m very satisfied with Leon and Joe, particularly with the attitude of them both.”
It wasn’t just Balogun who earned the plaudits of Rohr, with on-form midfielder Aribo – who earned his first Nigeria caps at Rangers – also being talked up by the German.
“Since I invited Joe Aribo to the squad we have had only good performances. He was, for us, an important player in the midfield with his left foot, mobility, commitment and fantastic mentality,” said Rohr.
“He can play as a defensive or offensive midfielder. Joe is good at pressing and immediately struck up a wonderful relationship with Alex Iwobi. “
“Joe scored in his first game for Nigeria against Ukraine in September 2019 and was one of the best players so we’re happy to see him in full flow and fitness for Rangers.”
Whilst both players are on good form Rangers have been rocked by the news that one of them won’t be available for the trip to Livingston.
According to Gers manager Gerrard, the Ibrox first-teamer has suffered a quad injury ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash.
