Drama as ‘injured’ Leon Balogun is replaced with omitted former U-20 star for Algeria clash

Leon Balogun was one of the players initially listed to play in the friendly against Algeria according to the squad released on Friday but with an injury update, he has been replaced by Sochaux defender

Valentine Ozornwafor has replaced Balogun on the list for Nigeria ahead of the September 27th clash against the 2019 African champions.

In an obvious loophole, Ozornwafor was an omission from the list despite his club revealing in a statement on the 14th of September that he has earned an invitation from the NFF.

Balogun, who the NFF claimed is injured finished the entire duration of QPR’s goalless draw against Stoke City. The former Rangers defender even earned his coach’s praise after the game as Michael Beale, QPR manager said his experience has brought a lot of calm to the team.

Ozornwafor, already capped three times in the past for Nigeria is a former U-20 international and one of the few left-footed centre backs in the Super Eagles at the moment.

Balogun’s invitation and eventual removal however leaves a lot of questions about the NFF’s competence and attention to details.