Super Eagles trio help Rangers win first Scottish Cup title in 13 years

Super Eagles trio of Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey helped Rangers bounce back from their Europa League heartbreak, as they defeated Hearts 2-0 after extra-time in the final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Rangers have now won a first Scottish Cup title since 2009 and their 34th in their history.

After a goalless 90 minutes, the game went into extra-time with Ryan Jack and Scott Wright scoring in quick succession in the early part of the first 15 minutes.

While Balogun and Bassey featured throughout the game, Aribo was replaced in the sixth minute of extra-time.

The first real chance of the game went the way of Hearts in the 10th minute but Ellis Simms hit the post from close-range.

In the 26th minute Rangers’ Ryan Kent fired an effort wide from the edge of the box.

Rangers went close again on 38 minutes but Aribo sent a header wide from a terrific Bassey delivery.

With the match remaining goalless after full time, Rangers were eventually rewarded as they took the lead in the 94th minute through Jack who got the ball on the edge of the box and smashed it high into the roof of the net.

Just three minutes after the opener, Rangers doubled their lead thanks to Wright with a brilliant finish.

Every effort by Hearts to get back into the game proved futile as Rangers held on to claim this season’s Scottish Cup title.

Complete Sports/Emmanuel Ukoh