The Super Eagles defender returned from injury to inspire the Latics to an unprecedented 8-0 victory over Hull City at the DW Stadium on Tuesday.
Leon Balogun was rock-solid in defence for Wigan Athletic to help the crisis-ridden club to their biggest win in history.
The former Mainz defender had not featured for the Latics since being withdrawn due to a knock after just six minutes in the 3-0 loss at Brentford ten days ago. The 32-year-old centre-back thus missed the subsequent win over Queens Park Rangers and the draw at Barnsley.
But the Nigeria international’s return to the starting lineup – his ninth game in a Wigan’s kit – spurred Paul Cook’s men to inflict on Hull City their worst defeat in more than a century.
The Tigers were hit seven times in the first half, with Kal Naismith firing the first for the Latics within the opening minute.
Kieffer Moore and Kieran Dowell each provided two of those goals, with Jamal Lowe and Joe Williams also adding strikes before the break.
That incredible first half saw Wigan become the first side in the English top four tiers to score seven or more goals in one half of football since Watford, who did so against Blackpool in 2015.
7 – Wigan are the first side in the English top four tiers to scored 7+ goals in one half of football since Watford v Blackpool also in the Championship in January 2015. Outstanding. pic.twitter.com/kKHXGvOudF
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 14, 2020
Wigan added another in the second half, with Dowell completing his hat-trick in the 65th minute, boosting the survival chances of the relegation battlers.
Since joining Wigan from Premier League side Brighton in January, Balogun has played in nine games, with that loss to Brentford the only defeat he’s witnessed for the club.
Next up for Balogun and Wigan is a visit to Charlton on Saturday before a return home to face Fulham.
