Nigerian defender Leon Balogun, has expressed his strong desire to return to the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Balogun's last appearance for the national team came in Nigeria's dominant 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in June 2022, where he came off the bench for the final 19 minutes.
His subsequent absence from the Super Eagles has fuelled speculation regarding his potential retirement from international football.
However, the Rangers centre-back has clarified that he has never retired from international football despite past injuries affecting his availability.
Balogun declares Super Eagles availability
In a recent interview with Brila, Leon Balogun addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future with the Super Eagles, firmly rejecting any claims of retirement.
He said, “It’s not that I’ve not accepted an invitation ever. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I suffered an injury that was supposed to last a few weeks but didn’t go the way it was supposed to.
“I just couldn’t come. I was not fit yet and after I got fit, then I relapsed but since then I haven’t had a lengthy injury spell. I have always been available.
“I’ve never said that I retired from international football, and I think the people who need to know are aware that I’m still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team.”
With the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March, it remains to be seen whether Balogun will be given the opportunity to make a comeback under new manager Eric Chelle.
Balogun was first called up to the Nigerian national team for a March 2014 friendly against Mexico, and has earned 46 caps and scored one goal for the Super Eagles.
