Rangers star could win international recall as manager refuses to rule it out
Today at 07:40 AM
Leon Balogun has 46 caps for Nigeria and is well respected in his homeland.
But the 36-year-old has not played for his country since 2022 despite still playing at a good level for Rangers, and getting plenty of games this season.
Balogun has never officially retired from international football and so is still available for selection for interim boss Austin Eguavoen, but is yet to get a recall.
After drawing with Benin in AFCON qualifying on Thursday, Nigeria are now preparing to face Rwanda at 4pm GMT today.
Leon Balogun could get Nigeria recall
Eguavoen has been speaking to the press in between those matches and insists Balogun shouldn’t rule out being called up again.
With crucial AFCON and World Cup qualifiers to come, the temporary boss was asked specifically about the Rangers star, and told All Nigeria Soccer: “It is possible, you can’t rule it out.”
Balogun didn’t start the season as a regular in the Rangers XI but has started the last three league games next to John Souttar amid Robin Propper’s struggles.
He has now made 11 club appearances this season and that could well continue. If it does, he’d be ready to step back in for his country after winning his Gers place back.
William Troost-Ekong talks up Balogun
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has played alongside Balogun in the heart of defence and counts him as a close friend.
He has lauded his pal and praised him for managing a difficult situation at Ibrox.
He said: “Leon is a fantastic player. He helped me a lot. We had some amazing times. He is still going strong at 36.
“It is not easy to be playing at a club like Rangers with the pressure that he is on.
“He had some issues with injury but very professional to continue to still be playing at 36.
“I miss him as a good friend but we’re still in contact and I still see him even when I am not here.”
