“I never said I retired” – Rangers’ Leon Balogun not giving up on Super Eagles call-up at 36

Super Eagles and Rangers defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun, has revealed his desire to don the Nigerian jersey in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Jose Peseiro didn’t select the 36-year-old to be a part of the Super Eagles team at the AFCON 2023 tournament. His last game for the National Team came in Nigeria’s 10-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe in June 2022 where he came off the bench for the final nineteen minutes.

Balogun didn’t get a lot of games under his belt last season but has repaid faith in his manager’s decision to keep him at Rangers for another year.

This season, the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender has played 18 games for Philippe Clement’s side, one less than he managed for the entirety of last season. He’s also managed to come up with a goal and assist for the Scottish Record Champions.

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After finding his place in the Rangers starting eleven, Balogun now has his sights fixed on a place in the Super Eagles team during the next International break.

“It’s not that I’ve not accepted an invitation ever. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I suffered an injury that was supposed to last a few weeks but didn’t go the way it was supposed to. I just couldn’t come I was not fit yet and after I got fit, then I relapsed but since then I haven’t had a lengthy injury spell.

“I have always been available. I’ve never said that I retired from international football, and I think the people who need to know are aware that I’m still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team,” the Germany-born defender said in an interview with Brila.

Rangers opted not to sign Manchester United’s Johnny Evans during the winter transfer window due to Balogun’s wealth of experience. His experience could come in handy for the Super Eagles during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers under Eric Chelle.