It's getting dangerous — Leon Balogun weighs in on Super Eagles World Cup chances

German-born Nigerian defender Leon Balogun

It's getting dangerous — Leon Balogun weighs in on Super Eagles World Cup chances

Faruq Ibrahim 18:25 - 24.01.2025

36-year-old Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun addressed the Super Eagles World Cup qualifier struggles.

Rangers defender Leon Balogun has expressed his worry over the Super Eagles World Cup qualification situation, stating that there is no more margin for error. 

The 36-year-old was once a mainstay in Nigeria’s defence, but he has not represented the Super Eagles since 2022. While he recently expressed his desire to return to the fold, it is unlikely he will make the team for the March qualifiers. 

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Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers situation 

The Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently lie 5th in a group of six. 

The main objective is believed to be ensuring Nigeria's participation in the USA/Mexico/Canada, and the journey resumes in March when Nigeria play Zimbabwe and Rwanda on the 17th and 21st of that month. 

New manager Eric Chelle will lead the Super Eagles through both games, and he has expressed his confidence in seeing Nigeria through. 

Leon Balogun wants a Super Eagles return. | IMAGO

What Balogun said 

“We have to win all six games, and that should seal the deal, but obviously it’s not easy because no game should be underestimated,” Balogun told Brila. 

“It’s very important that everybody involved knows as quickly as possible what the setup is going to be like. With structure in place, knowing this is the way we are going forward, then we can work with that.

“It’s a very difficult situation, and it can become dangerous with the expectations not just from the outside but also within the team. Nigeria in African football is supposed to be at the top with maybe alongside two or three other nations.

Leon Balogun

“Yes, Benin, they are a good team. They are well-coached. Rwanda, they are strong squad, a really strong unit. They fight for their lives, but we are the Nigerian Super Eagles; we have the better players.

If we now have to look over our shoulders because we are concerned about getting the right result against these teams, then that tells you there is a lot of work to do, and it is important not just to come back but to work our way back.

“I think it’s very important for us to get back to that level where we know whichever game we go into, we can win and we will win. That must be the mindset. I think we need to go and put the shirt on with that mentality. This is what playing for the Nigerian national team is about.”

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