Rangers defender Balogun reveals next ambition with Super Eagles

Leon Balogun made a return to Rangers this summer on a free transfer after a previous two-year stint between 2020 and 2022 

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has revealed his ambition to make Nigeria’s squad for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Soccernet.ng reports

The 35-year-old made a return to Rangers this summer after a year in the Championship with QPR. He made his second appearance this season in the club’s 2-1 victory over Greenock Morton last Saturday, playing for 56 minutes.

His last appearance for the Super Eagles came over a year ago in their 10-0 hammering of São Tomé and Príncipe in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying(AFCON) fixture in Agadir, Algeria.

The West African country has since qualified for the tournament to be staged in Ivory Coast next year after a 2-3 victory over Serria Leone in their last qualifying fixture secured their ticket to the continental showpiece.

However, Balogun has revealed his ambition to make the Nigerian squad for the tournament when asked by a reporter about his choice of representing the country next year.

That’s perfect, I’m hoping to make the next squad. I have been out for quite some time and definitely, it would be something nice. Obviously, I’m looking forward to being called up. As much as it can be chaotic, I missed international football with Nigeria, and a lot of faces I haven’t seen for a long time. the former Brighton defender said in a RangersTV press conference ahead of the club’s league fixture on Saturday. 

Balogun will aim to help his club first claim a victory over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday before they travel to the Netherlands for the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.