Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun made a winning start to life in the Scottish Premiership marshalling the defence for Rangers as the Gers beat Aberdeen in their season opener at the Pittodrie Stadium on Saturday.

The 32-year old Germany-born Nigerian international moved across the border from Brighton on a free transfer this summer and was impressive as the Gers shut out Aberdeen for the entirety of the encounter.

Ryan Kent’s 21st minute strike proved to be decisive as Steven Gerrard’s men took all three points in an auspicious start to the season.

Balogun’s international teammate Joe Aribo, fresh from winning the club’s Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards also put in an impressive shift for Rangers.

Aribo twice went close to doubling the lead for the visitors late on, first embarking on a trademark mesmerising run through three defenders in the 84th-minute before being thwarted at the last moment and then being denied by Aberdeen goalie Joe Lewis in the 90th-minute.

The win takes Rangers who finished second behind city rivals Celtic last season, to top of the table for a few hours at least until other teams complete their round of matches on Saturday.