“It was really tough”- Balogun explains why the Super Eagles could not secure the World Cup ticket

Nigerian defender, Leon Balogun reveals why the Nigerian national team could not qualify for the World Cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s chances of reaching the World Cup were dented when the Black stars of Ghana tied them 1-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium during their World Cup qualifying match.

Before travelling to Abuja to play the reverse of the fixture, the Super Eagles of Nigeria first travelled to Kumasi, where they played with the Ghanaians in a scoreless 0-0 tie.

Ten minutes into the match, Soccernet.ng recounts that Arsenal star, Thomas Partey, smacked a long-range shot past Francis Uzoho before William Troost-Ekong equalised from the spot.

However, the Giants of Africa were unable to attend the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which has left the Nigerian players devastated.

Soccernet.ng has previously reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria are sorely missed in the 2022 World Cup by the Qatari supporters.

The former Rangers player, Balogun, was discussing the game when he brought up the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the World Cup.

 

In an interview with The Beautiful Game podcast, the former Wigan Athletic player revealed:

“We did go to Ghana to play that first leg, and it was a tough game. There was this whole fuss about them changing the stadium last minute where they’ve never lost, and they said whether juju may or may not have been involved

“It was really, really tough and we ended up playing 0-0. I remember we had a meeting one or two days after and one of the staff said we’re 70 percent through and I thought to myself that can’t be right.”

“We played a goalless draw away from home, if that’s helpful to anyone then it’s Ghana. We said we have to just pour our hearts out for that game.”

The QPR star will be hoping to feature for his club 12 days after their last game as they host Burnley on Sunday, December 11, 2022.