Balogun denies retirement claims, backs Eagles for W’Cup
Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun has dismissed claims that he had retired from international football, reaffirming his commitment to the Nigeria national team.
Balogun’s last appearance for the Super Eagles was in 2022 during the country’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe at Stade d’Agadir.
The defender’s absence from the national team has been largely due to a series of injuries and other fitness issues.
Following a two-year absence which included missing out on the rescheduled 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, there were thoughts that Balogun, who will soon turn 37, had quietly retired from international football, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion defender dismissed such speculations.
“False claims. I think I clarified recently,” Balogun told Flashscore.
“Sorry to be a bit harsh there, maybe, but it’s out there. And I just said it to you. Those claims are, how do we like to say nowadays? Fake news.”
The 36-year-old defender also shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON draw and the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“Two questions in one. AFCON, well, it’s a tournament. You want to win it. Every team that comes there comes with ambition,” he said.
“So, yeah, you have to take it as it is. You want to be the champion of Africa, (Nigeria) have probably a point to prove after the last AFCON.
“So, you need to go in there with a lot of ambition, a lot of confidence, but also with a clear plan.
“And that clear plan definitely will also be needed for the World Cup qualifiers because we are in a precarious situation where we can’t afford to drop any points.
“Therefore, the highest possible focus is needed and the highest level of performance.”
On his return to the national team after a two-year hiatus, Balogun admitted that he had to be at his very best.
He added, “They’ve been good. I mean, look at the AFCON. I think they conceded the least goals. So, there’s not much more to add.
“Obviously, me wanting to come back into the team doesn’t make it easier. But you need a good level of competition because we’re talking about the Super Eagles and not just any team.
“You’re talking about a team that wants to be the (best) in Africa. So, it needs to be hard to get into the team.”
Since making his debut against Mexico in March 2014, when he replaced Joseph Yobo, the Rangers defender has made 46 appearances for the three-time champions, scoring a goal.
