Should Eric Chelle include Leon Balogun in squad?

Posted : 05 March 2025

Leon Aderemi Balogun, a key defender for the Super Eagles and Rangers, was notably absent from Eric Chelle's 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Despite being a regular for the national team in previous years, the 36-year-old defender has not featured in recent squads, including the AFCON 2023 tournament where he was left out by former coach Jose Peseiro.

Balogun’s last appearance for Nigeria came in June 2022 during the 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe, where he played the final 19 minutes of the match. Since then, he has not been called up for the national team, despite continuing to play an active role at Rangers. His commitment to his club has been evident, having played 20 games this season, which is a marked improvement over his appearances last season.

Although Balogun’s recent form at Rangers has been impressive, including contributing with a goal and assist, coach Eric Chelle decided to go with other defensive options, such as William Troost-Ekong, Gabriel Osho, and Calvin Bassey. These players have been chosen to bolster the defensive ranks ahead of the qualifiers, while Balogun, despite his 46 caps for Nigeria, was left out.

Balogun himself has expressed disappointment but remained resolute about his availability for the national team. He explained that injuries, including a setback right before the World Cup break, have affected his chances of regular international duty. Nevertheless, he emphasized that he has always been ready to play for Nigeria and has never retired from international football.

The 36-year-old’s injury woes have been ongoing, with him missing about two months of action for Rangers this season. Although he has played 20 matches, he has only started in half of them and has completed 90 minutes in just six appearances. This raises concerns about his ability to consistently perform at the high intensity required for international fixtures, given the physical demands of African football.

Despite being excluded from the squad for the World Cup qualifiers, Balogun can take solace in his past achievements with the Super Eagles. His contributions to the team, especially in his partnership with William Troost-Ekong, have left an indelible mark on Nigerian football. The duo played 38 matches together, forming a strong defensive unit that many fans remember fondly.

Even if Balogun's international career may be winding down, his legacy with the Super Eagles will remain. His performances for Nigeria have earned him a special place in the hearts of many, and whether or not he plays again, he will always be remembered as an integral part of the team’s history.

Should Eric Chelle include Leon Balogun in squad?

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