Playing For Super Eagles Prepared Me Against Rangers’ High Expectations – Balogun

Former Nigerian international Leon Balogun has revealed that the immense pressure and expectations associated with playing for the Super Eagles served as crucial preparation for the demands of his time at Rangers.

Balogun, who formed an integral part of the Super Eagles’ defence, often partnering with William Troost-Ekong, shared this insight during an interview with the Footballers Unfiltered Podcast. The Aris Limassol defender elaborated that the rigours of donning the senior national team shirt significantly bolstered his mental fortitude for his club career.

“I was born in Germany, so I wasn’t as immersed in Nigerian culture as some of the other lads who grew up in England, like Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey. You know, there are more Nigerians in the UK than in Germany,” Balogun explained.

He recalled his initial experiences: “I remember my first camp; there was the formidable John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, and a few other top guys. These were guys I used to see on Play Station.

“There was always that dedication to the country, they would welcome you. It was a really nice time. But at the same time, when things didn’t go well, it was tough.

“Playing for the Super Eagles prepared me for the level of expectation at Rangers because losing is not allowed.

“Basically, you’re Nigeria, the king of Africa, and it doesn’t matter whether there’s Cameroon, Senegal, or Egypt. You just have to win.”