THIS GERMAN-BORN DEFENDER MAY BE NIGERIA’S ACE
Nick Said
Nigeria will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign against Croatia on Saturday, a key fixture if they are to make the second round in Russia, and central to their chances will be Germanborn defender Leon Balogun. zHe brings calmness and leadership to the Super Eagles defence. He has captained the side in the absence of regular skipper John Mikel Obi and has become a hugely respected figure in the team since making his debut four years ago. It will be a special moment for him, having suffered heartache ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when a fractured foot sustained in a pretournament friendly meant he missed out on that competition as Nigeria reached the second round.
The defender was born to a Nigerian father and German mother, and says the team has been happy to prove their many critics wrong.
People from outside were saying ‘they are not going to make it, they haven’t qualified for the last two Nations Cup finals and Nigeria isn’t Nigeria anymore’. I think we proved them wrong,” Balogun told TAB Sports Express.
“Our team spirit I think was the key and the coach [German Gernot Rohr] really put focus on that point. We can be a big surprise. I’m not saying we are going to be ones, but the chances are there. Definitely, because we have great individual quality as well, especially in the attack, and if we can fix a few things in certain areas of our game then we have a chance to go far.
“I know that a lot of Nigerians expect us to bring home the World Cup, but at the same time you have to be realistic because there are a lot of teams with a legitimate claim to raise the trophy at the end of the tournament.”
Nigeria will face Argentina in their pool on 26 June and Balogun is keen to test himself as a defender against the great Lionel Messi.
“It’s going to be interesting. I’m really looking forward to it, he’s one of my favourite players, I love to watch him play, but when we play them I have to forget about that and the beauty of his game.”
Balogun was born in West Berlin and came through the youth system of local side Hertha Berlin, before later playing for Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Darmstadt 98.
His move to Brighton from Mainz was confirmed last month as he signed a two-year contract as a free agent.
"I am delighted to welcome Leon to the club," Brighton coach Chris Hughton said. "He will add more depth to our defensive options.
"He is in the peak years of his career and I am sure he will integrate well into the squad. He also has valuable experience, having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and at international level."