Nigeria Handed Big Injury Boost Ahead Of AFCONQ As Key Defender Resumes Full Training

Published: March 08, 2019

Brighton & Hove star Leon Balogun is expected to be available for selection when the Super Eagles tackle Seychelles in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on March 22 and an international friendly with Egypt four days later.

However, the central defender will be battling to regain match fitness after Seagulls manager Chris Hughton confirmed at Thursday's pre-match conference that his number 14 has resumed full training.

Balogun has not played for Brighton since he went the distance against West Brom in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on February 6.

Providing an injury update ahead of tomorrow's trip to Crystal Palace, Hughton told reporters : ''At this moment only Pascal Gross is unavailable this weekend.

"We'll see how it goes this week, he's not training but has been doing some good work. He has a chance for Millwall FC.

"Leon Balogun is now back in training."

Two other players named in the Super Eagles latest squad list, Stoke City's Oghenekaro Etebo (muscle injury) and Torino's Ola Aina (abdominal injury), are doubtful to feature for their clubs this weekend.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel