Rangers defender Leon Balogun drops out of Nigeria squad ahead of AFCON
Rangers star Leon Balogun has been left out of Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations squad after Super Eagles confirm new injury update.
The Nigerian Football Federation announced on their official Instagram account that Balogun would be omitted and replaced by West Brom defender Semi Ajayi.
The news comes just days after Glasgow Evening Times journalist Chris Jack told GiveMeSport on Wednesday that he predicts Balogun’s return from injury is imminent. The defender is yet to play under manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The NFF’s Instagram announcement was accompanied by a lengthy caption, which included: “England–based Oluwasemilogo Ajayi returns to the group for Africa’s flagship football championship following injury to centre-back Leon Balogun.”
Old Firm hopes?
Hopefully, this announcement doesn’t mean Balogun has taken a turn for the worse.
The Berlin-born veteran has been out of action for over a month, leaving the field during the club’s cup defeat to Hibernian on 21 November.
With reports of Balogun closing in on a return, this decision may be a good one for Rangers.
Had Balogun remained in the African Cup of Nations squad for Nigeria, the 33-year-old would have missed out on Rangers’ tense tie with arch rivals Celtic. The Old Firm derby is set to take place on 2 February, four days prior to the conclusion of the national tournament.
Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will surely be relishing the opportunity to work more closely with Balogun. The defender’s last game came in the interim before van Bronckhorst’s first game and after the departure of Villa-bound Steven Gerrard.
Rangers fans will be hoping this announcement doesn’t spell more trouble for Balogun.
The Nigerian was a regular starter under Gerrard and will be hoping he can squeeze back into contention after impressive performances from Calvin Bassey at the back.
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