Apart from targeting the glory, some players see international competition as an opportunity to reignite their club career, especially if they are fringe part of their club before the competition.

Leon Balogun is one of the players who desperately needs to utilize the ongoing AFCON competition as an opportunity to boost his career at club level.

The 31-year-old centre-back was more or less a squad player for Premier League side Brighton throughout last season as he featured in just eight Premier League games.

Despite Balogun's awesome display in the few matches he played for the Seagulls, manager Graham Potter couldn't integrate him into his regular starting XI based on Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk's strong partnership.

Considering his lack of first-team opportunities last term, many Super Eagles fans believe he should be on the lookout for suitors as scouts will be in Egypt seeking for new quality players.

Unfortunately, Balogun has surprisingly lost his place in Rohr's first XI, therefore, missing the opportunity to showcase his quality to many scouts in the North African country.

Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo are currently ahead of the German born defender in the pecking order and it seems that won't change anytime soon.

He has started just two matches from a possible four games, while his performance, especially against Madagascar, has done nothing to  help boost his credibility level.

His howler against Madagascar might likely affect his chances of winning scouts' affection, while his inability to return to the starting XI against Cameroon ultimately prevented him from redeeming his image.

There are three more matches left to play, should the Eagles make it to the final, and Balogun will hope to regain Rohr's trust.

Ibukun Italoye