Super Eagles stars Leon Balogun and Oghenekaro Etebo were unused substitutes as Rangers defeated Galatasaray 2-1 to qualify for the group stage of this season’s UEFA Europa League, Completesports.com reports.
After a goalless first half, Rangers took the lead in the 52nd minute through Scott Arfield before James Tavenier doubled their lead on 59 minutes.
With three minutes remaining in the game Marcao scored for Galatasaray but Rangers held on to advance into the group stage.
Balogun’s Super Eagles teammate Joe Aribo was not in the Rangers squad for the game.
Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Ndubuisi Egbo’s KF Tirana could not go beyond the play-off round following their defeat to Swiss club Young Boys.
The reigning Albanian champions were thumped 3-0 by Young Boys to miss out on the group phase.
In another encounter, Ramon Azeez was not listed as Laliga club Granada saw off Swedish side Malmoe FF 3-1.
Other Europa League play-off games saw Harry Kane hit a hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur hammer Maccabi Haifa 7-2, and AC Milan beat Rio Ave 9-8 on penalties after 90 minutes ended 2-2.
The draw for the Europa League group stage will hold on 2nd October with 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four.
By James Agberebi
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