Rangers ’defender Leon Balogun Confirms Availability for Super Eagles Return

Rangers defender Leon Balogun has confirmed that he is still available to play for Nigeria, despite being overlooked for selection since June 2022. His last appearance for the national team was as a substitute in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sao Tome and Principe. Balogun, who has been performing well at Rangers this season, expressed his readiness to return to international duty.
Balogun explained that his absence from the national team was due to injury setbacks. He revealed that just before the World Cup break, he sustained an injury that was initially expected to heal within a few weeks but did not progress as anticipated. After recovering, he suffered a relapse, which further delayed his return to fitness. However, he assured that since then, he has not experienced any prolonged injuries.
The 36-year-old centre-back emphasized that he has always been available for selection and has never officially retired from international football. Balogun made it clear that those who need to be aware of his intentions to play for the national team are well-informed, and he remains eager to represent Nigeria. His commitment to the Super Eagles is undiminished, and he continues to hold ambitions for future appearances.
Balogun has earned 46 caps for Nigeria and scored one goal during his international career. He was part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and played a significant role in the team’s third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. His extensive experience at both club and international levels has made him a valuable player for Nigeria.