Rangers defender Leon Balogun says he is still available to play for Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.
Balogun has been overlooked since coming on as a substitute in Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sao Tome and Principe in June 2022.
The 36-year-old, who has impressed at Scottish giants Rangers this season, declared he is still ready to play at international level.
“It’s not that I’ve not accepted an invitation. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I suffered an injury that was supposed to last a few weeks but didn’t go the way it was supposed to,” he told Brila FM.
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“I just couldn’t come I was not fit yet and after I got fit, then I relapsed but since then I haven’t had a lengthy injury spell.
“I have always been available. I’ve never said that I retired from international football, and I think the people who need to know are aware that I’m still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team.”
The centre-back has made 46 appearances for the Super Eagles, with one goal to his name.
He was part of the Super Eagles squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and make the squad that came third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt.
By Adeboye Amosu
5 Comments
I hope Balogun is reinstated in the team to help us see matches off.
Super Eagles Still need him,he should be invited
I wouldn’t mind a recall for Balogun at all as long as he’s fit. Ekong is already in Saudi Arabia at 31 or 32. While Balogun is still in Europe at 35 or 36.
Playing for Scottish powerhouse Rangers at that age is not child’s play. Even Ambrose couldn’t stay that long in the Scottish league and he at least won an AFCON.
One thing is certain this will be the most experienced SuperEagles team in recent memory. Most of our the players we are depending on have been in the team since 2018/2019.
Akin to the SuperEagles of 94 that’d been together mostly since Maroc 88.
The coach only needs to some young talent doing well in Europe and possibly from recent U20s to freshen up the squad.
We will survive this setback with gusto and panache.
His performance against Man utd speaks volume. Solid display of defensive and assured performance. Man Utd couldn’t breakthrough until Balogun got substituted. Kudos to Dessers too for the sublime goal.
Still needed in the Super Eagles.
Super eagle’s defense calls for tactically discipline defenders not some secondary schools error prone players. We need Leon Balogun in our defense place.
Imagine Rohr and other coaches capitalizing on pieces and long balls to defeat Nigeria. It should end please.