Awoniyi helps Union Berlin end 2021 in style; Aribo’s Rangers stumble to Dundee United win

In the Iron Ones’ last Bundesliga game of the year, Taiwo Awoniyi featured for 64 minutes as Union Berlin edged to a 1-0 win away to Bochum on Saturday.

Max Kruse netted the all-important winner in the first half as Urs Fischer’s men claimed just their second away win of the campaign.

Bochum were organised defensively for most of the encounter, but Awoniyi still managed a shot and made a key pass before being hauled off. It mattered little, though, as Union Berlin protected their lead to leave the Vonovia Ruhrstadion in Bochum with all the three points on offer.

The Nigerian international has nine goals in the German top-flight this season. In the coming days, the former Liverpool signing will turn his attention on making the Super Eagles squad to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

In the Scottish Premiership, Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo was a second-half substitute as Rangers stumbled to a 1-0 win over Dundee United at the Ibrox Stadium.

Coach Gio van Bronckhorst gave Aribo a much-needed rest with the Nigerian star, having played a significant amount of matches for the Gers this season.

But the Dutch manager turned to the former Charlton Athletic ace just past the hour-mark as Dundee United proved a stubborn customer to break down.

And Aribo’s introduction sparked a new Rangers’ offensive, and six minutes later, the Gers were in front courtesy of a penalty goal from captain James Tavernier.

Young Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey continued to do his centre-back reputation a world of good as his solid display ensured Rangers kept yet another clean sheet.

With van Bronckhorst in charge and Bassey in defence, Rangers have kept their opponents away from finding the back of their net in four of the five league matches played.

The Leicester City academy product will hope that his excellent contribution in recent weeks is enough to convince Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen to include him in Nigeria’s Afcon 2021 roster.