Leon Balogun has drawn comparisons between the passionate fan bases of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Rangers FC, reflecting on how high expectations from both sets of supporters can fuel pressure on players, Soccernet.ng reports.
Balogun shared his experience of a particularly tense match that saw Nigerian fans react strongly to the Super Eagles’ performance.
In November 2020, Nigeria faced Sierra Leone in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Benin City’s Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Super Eagles started brilliantly, racing to a 4-0 lead within 30 minutes with goals from Alex Iwobi, who scored twice, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze.
However, in a stunning comeback, Sierra Leone clawed their way back to level the score at 4-4 by full-time.
Recalling the incident, Balogun explained how fans reacted as the team returned to their hotel.
“No disrespect to our supporters, but no,” Balogun said as per Yahoo Sports.
He continued, “And I said this not too long ago. I don’t know who to, but playing for the Nigerian national team actually prepared me, because, believe me or not, they probably have just as much expectation as our supporters.
“Let me put one out there. I was at Rangers at the time. We played against Sierra Leone. We were winning 4-1, good for me, as I came off after 60 [minutes], and we ended the game 4-4.”
Balogun revealed that security personnel advised players to stay away from bus windows on the way back to the hotel.
“On the way back to the hotel, some of the security staff said don’t sit next to the windows. Some players closed the curtains already,” the former Mainz man noted.
“And then five minutes into the drive, you turn the corner, and they throw stones at the bus, our own fans. So, I guess that kind of prepared me.”
Reflecting on his career, Balogun believes the high expectations of Nigerian fans helped him deal with pressure at club level.
Balogun added: “The expectation of Nigeria was always really, really high. So, I’ve met something like it before, and I think that helped me personally.”
Berlin-born Balogun earned the last of his 46 international caps in 2022 as a late substitute in Nigeria’s historic 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in an AFCON qualifier.