Balogun has world at his feet again

BRIGHTON new boy Leon Balogun says lining up against England today will be even sweeter after a freak injury almost ended his career.

Balogun expects to start for Nigeria at Wembley after missing the last World Cup following a collision with an advertising board. The 29-year-old defender said: “I went up for a header and when I came down, because the sign was close to the sideline, I just stepped against it with my foot.

“Then I flew over, returned to the field and after five minutes more it just felt something inside my foot was moving. I kicked the ball a couple of times and then I just sat down, was subbed and we did a scan.

“It was in some hospital in Atlanta. They told me the foot was fractured, so I knew probably the World Cup of 2014 would take part without me. It was quite sad. It definitely makes it even more special, the England game. People said my career could be over.

“My club, Fortuna Dusseldorf, wouldn’t give me a new contract. It was a tough time.

“But I’m optimistic. I got back up and here I am again.” Balogun is joining Brighton on a free. On how he ended up playing for Nigeria, he added: “I’m half German, half Nigerian. My father’s Nigerian, my mother German.

“I hadn’t played for Germany so when Nigeria came I was clear and I’m glad I chose Nigeria.”