Leon Balogun Replaces Joseph Yobo On Nigeria Roster

Fortuna Düsseldorf defender Leon Balogun, 25, has finally gotten his wish to represent the National Team of Nigeria.

Manager Stephen Keshi has handed him a late call-up for the tuneup game against Mexico on Thursday morning.

Super Eagles media officer Ben Alaiya disclosed that Norwich center back Joseph Yobo had to be replaced after he suffered a knock in the English Premier League tie against Aston Villa last weekend.

Leon Balogun, who is primarily a central defender but can be handy at right back, has linked up with the rest of the squad in Atlanta, venue of the clash between both continental powerhouses.

“I really feel a big allegiance to Nigeria because my father is Nigerian.  And I always try to keep up with news about the country as good as possible.

“One can say that my heart is beating for Nigeria because that’s where a big part of my family is from and I’m proud to be calling myself part of this great nation,” Leon Balogun earlier told allnigeriasoccer.com .

Leon Balogun was born in Germany to a Nigerian dad from Ijebu Ode and a German mom with Italian influences.

Photo Credit : hannover96.de