GLASGOW Rangers defender Leon Balogun has reiterated his desire to return to the Super Eagles while opening up on missing out on the last AFCOn tournament in Ivory Coast where Nigeria finished second.
Balogun’s last appearance for the Super Eagles was in 2022 during the country’s AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe at Stade d’Agadir in Morocco.
The 36-year-old admitted that he had been left out of the team since then most times due to injuries but believed he was in a good position to make a return as he continues to live up to expectations at Rangers.
“I said it recently, it’s fair to say I was probably waiting for a call-up,” Balogun told AY Suga Naija Lifestyle.
“Obviously there’s merit, yes, but you always need to make sure that you have something to show. There were times I didn’t have anything to show for, and there was a time when unfortunately kept being sidelined, not my fault really but it was an injury that again kept me out for a very long time and it shouldn’t have happened like this.
“I was in touch with Peseiro back then leading up to the AFCON and probably hoping to make the squad because that was the beginning of last season where I didn’t play for the first two and a half months but then right when it gets interesting leading into the AFCON, I was playing and I was playing good so that hurt me a little bit not to be considered but again I found my peace with it.
“Representing Nigeria is a huge honour for me always and I would like to think that people always saw that in my performances like I don’t come here to joke.
“So if it’s in cards I’m all up. Just recently I clarified that I never retired because I know that was a thing people were thinking, so I am still up for selection.”
Since making his debut against Mexico in March 2014, when he replaced Joseph Yobo, the Rangers defender has made 46 appearances for the three-time champions, scoring a goal.
Although currently recovering from an injury, Balogun has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Rangers this season, scoring one goal plus one assist.
