Rangers face nervous AFCON wait on Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey
Rangers are still waiting to hear from the Nigerian FA regarding the potential call-ups of Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey.
All three could be part of the Super Eagles’ African Cup of Nations side with their campaign scheduled to get underway next month (9 January).
Last month, Nigeria’s boss Gernot Rohr indicated that the Super Eagles could allow certain players to stay with their clubs for longer [Daily Record, 2 November].
However, as it stands, no decision has been made yet, and the Gers face a nervous wait [Daily Record] to see if the trio will be allowed to face Celtic next month (2 January).
Rangers need all three to be available.
Given the way the title race seems to be going, that Celtic clash at Celtic Park could be massive.
Therefore, it would be a huge blow if the Bears were to be without one of their best midfielders in Aribo and a versatile defender who has played every game so far for Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Bassey, plus an experienced professional like Balogun.
Hopefully, the Super Eagles are lenient with the Bears and decide that they will allow the trio to play against the Bhoys.
However, if they decide that they need all three to be involved because the Celtic game is only a week before their opening match, that would be a huge blow for the Gers.
At this moment in time, though, there is no point in panicking about what may or may not happen because the Nigerian FA have yet to make a decision.
In other Rangers news, Alan Brazil has had a dig at the Bears on talkSPORT.