Brighton & Hove summer signing Leon Balogun has reflected on his maiden appearance at the World Cup, and has spoken of his happiness at facing the best player in the world, Lionel Messi.
Four years ago, the central defender was in the running to be included in the Super Eagles World Cup roster but an injury he suffered on his debut against Mexico ended his dreams of playing in Brazil.
''The injury made the summer more special because a lot of people were wondering whether my career as an international player would come to an end,'' Balogun said to Brighton's official website.
''The fact that not many people expected me to be there made me more happy and it made it more special.
''I was able to share the occasion with my parents and played against the best player in the world in my opinion [Lionel Messi] – the fans were fantastic, and the atmosphere was amazing, so it provided me with many priceless memories.''
Balogun, who went the distance in World Cup matches against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina, started training with his new teammates at Brighton & Hove on Wednesday.
A curious incident unfolded just before the penalty shoot-out in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco. Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali placed his white towel b...
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn into Group C for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), setting up a competitive group stage in the expanded 16‑team tournament in Morocc...
Nigerian forward Peter Otele has been linked with a move away from Swiss side FC Basel ahead of the close of the winter transfer window.The 26-year-old has been one of Basel's standout performers this...
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained the rationale behind his decision to bring on Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon in Nigeria's heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Af...
January 15, 2026
🍪 Cookie Preferences
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Choose your preference:
Comments 0
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!