Aribo’s Rangers fail to take advantage of Celtic’s stumble; Innocent, Moffi star in Lorient win

Five Nigerian stars were on the matchday squad of two European clubs, but only two were on the winning side

Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey featured from start to finish as Rangers threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Motherwell in a Scottish Premiership clash at the Ibrox on Sunday. Compatriot Leon Balogun was on the bench throughout the encounter. 

Rangers received a significant boost even before kickoff after Hibernian stubbornly held leaders Celtic to a goalless draw earlier in the day. 

Knowing that a win would cut the gap to their bitter rivals down to one point, Rangers started on the front foot against Motherwell, and they were two goals up as early as the 24th minute.

Two quick-fire goals saw Alfredo Morelos head in the opener before Fashion Sakala doubled the lead.

What was turning out to be a comfortable evening, however, turned into a nervy situation after Jordan Roberts pulled one back for the visitors after the break.

And the Ibrox Stadium received the biggest shock of the day when Kaiyne Woolery capped off an excellent performance with a goal that drew Motherwell back on levelled terms.

Rangers would rue several missed chances, including two disallowed efforts from Morelos, and a string of fine saves from Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

But the Gers would have only themselves to blame for missing the chance to go just one point behind Celtic.

In the French Ligue 1, Super Eagles stars Terem Moffi and Bonke Innocent were in the starting eleven as Lorient claimed a much-needed 1-0 win away at ten-man Brest.

The sending off of the home side’s centre-half Brendan Chardonnet immensely helped Lorient’s cause, but the struggling visitors still found it hard to break down their opponents even with their numerical advantage.

Innocent and Moffi had been replaced before substitute Ibrahima Kone netted the game’s winner in the 75th minute.
The win lifts Lorient to 17th on the Ligue 1 table on 22 points, two above the relegation waters.