Rangers defender Leon Balogun has clarified that he has not retired from international football and remains available to represent Nigeria.
Balogun’s last game for the Super Eagles was a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe in June 2022, where Nigeria secured an emphatic 10-0 victory.
Since then, the 36-year-old has been left out of the national team, largely due to fitness concerns. However, his impressive performances for Rangers this season have sparked calls for his return to the Super Eagles.
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Speaking to Brila FM, Balogun reiterated his commitment to the national team.
“It’s not that I declined any invitations. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I sustained an injury that was expected to heal in a few weeks, but it didn’t go as planned,” he explained.
“I couldn’t come because I wasn’t fit, and after I recovered, I relapsed. But since then, I haven’t had any significant injury spells.
“I have always been available. I’ve never announced my retirement from international football, and I believe the right people know that I’m still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team.”
Balogun, who has been capped 46 times by Nigeria and scored one goal, continues to make his case for a return to the Super Eagles.