Rangers defender Leon Balogun has made his intentions clear—he wants back in the Super Eagles setup. Speaking recently, the 36-year-old defender highlighted Nigeria’s strong defensive record at AFCON 2023 while admitting that competition for places is tough.
“They've been good. I mean, look at the AFCON. I think they conceded the least goals. So, there's not much more to add. Obviously, me wanting to come back into the team doesn't make it easier. But you need a good level of competition because we're talking about the Super Eagles and not just any team.”
However, as Nigeria prepares for a crucial set of World Cup qualifiers, is bringing Balogun back the right move? Instead of looking backward, head coach Eric Chelle might be better off refreshing the squad with younger, in-form defenders.
Here are three centre-back options the Super Eagles should consider ahead of the March qualifiers.
Jordan Torunarigha (Gent)
At 27, Torunarigha has matured into one of the most reliable center-backs in the Belgian Pro League. His physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back make him a perfect fit for modern defensive systems.
Born to a Nigerian father, Torunarigha made his Super Eagles debut in September 2023, but has only earned one cap.
A left-footed defender with strong aerial ability and composure on the ball, Torunarigha could be a long-term solution in Nigeria’s backline if reconsidered for selection.
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague)
Igoh Ogbu has been a revelation since joining Slavia Prague, establishing himself as a rock at the heart of their defence.
The 25-year-old centre-back combines physicality with excellent ball-playing abilities, making him a perfect fit for a team that wants to dominate possession and build from the back.
His performances in the Czech First League and European competitions have drawn attention, and his inclusion in the Super Eagles could provide a youthful yet mature presence in defence.
Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford)
A standout performer for Nigeria at the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup, Benjamin Fredrick has since moved to English Premier League side Brentford
At just 19, the former Nasarawa United man is a ball-playing defender with strong aerial ability and tactical awareness.
Bringing him into the senior setup would be an investment in the future, offering the Super Eagles a young, high-potential centre-back to develop for years to come.
Felix Uduokhai (Beşiktaş, on loan from Augsburg)
Felix Uduokhai has been a regular starter for Beşiktaş, making 16 Süper Lig appearances and playing the full 90 minutes in all of them.
Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, the 27-year-old has previously represented Germany at youth level but remains eligible for the Super Eagles.
At 6'4″, he is a dominant presence in the air, comfortable in possession, and brings Bundesliga-level defensive intelligence to his game. If Nigeria can convince him to switch allegiance, he could be a long-term solution in the heart of defence.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their must-win World Cup qualifiers, integrating younger and in-form defenders should be a priority.
While Balogun’s experience is respected, the future lies with players like Ogbu, Torunarigha, and Uduokhai, who bring fresh energy, tactical intelligence, and top-level experience to Nigeria’s defence.
