Aribo, Balogun, Bassey to get new coach as Liverpool icon leaves Rangers for Aston Villa

Published: November 11, 2021

With a statement on their official website, Aston Villa have confirmed that Steven Gerrard is the new head coach of the club, taking over from Dean Smith who was dismissed following a poor run of results.

Liverpool icon Gerrard has left Glasgow Rangers, with whom he won the Scottish Premiership in 2020-2021.

A charismatic midfielder in his playing days, he oversaw the signings of several players of Nigerian descent including Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Nnamdi Ofoborh.

Gerrard also gave the thumbs up to recruitment of ex-Golden Eaglets invitee Ovie Ejaria, another England U20 World Cup winner Sheyi Ojo and 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sadiq Umar.

Apart from Sadiq whose loan deal was cut short due to limited playing time and Ofoborh , the aforementioned players of Nigerian descent enjoyed success under the tutelage of Gerrard.

The retired England international is leaving Rangers with the club top of the Premiership standings and guiding them to the Premier Sports Cup semifinal.

Aribo and Balogun are currently on international duty with the Super Eagles in Morocco and will train for the first time under a new coach upon their return to Rangers next week.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangersfc.co.uk

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