Fortuna defender praises NFF

Leon Balogun, has said he is at home with the decision of the national team’s technical crew not to pick him for the World Cup, since he was just recovering from a toe injury he copped in the Eagles friendly game against Mexico in Atlanta, United States recently.


Speaking to Super Eagles Media Officer Ben Alaiya on phone from Germany, Balogun, said it would have been unfair if a player who was just recuperating was picked ahead of a lot of others waiting in the wings.

“I have to be realistic; I had little or no chance of making the World Cup team because I have just started running now. I did five times, three minutes yesterday and today I have done three times, eight minutes and should be back playing in two weeks but that will not get me ready for the World Cup,” he said on Tuesday  afternoon.

Balogun while praising the Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and its leadership also had good words for Coach Stephen Keshi, declaring that all through the NFF and the coach has kept tabs on his health.

“The NFF President sent Barrister Chris Green here to see me while I was recovering and the Head Coach has been in constant touch all through, I have been trying to reach Coach Keshi, just to tell him that I appreciate his support and I am not angry that I was not picked. I will be back and better for Nigeria and my club once I recover from this unfortunate injury,” he said.

On his immediate target, he said: “I want to be back when the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations start and I want to give my all, because Nigeria is the only country I can call my own. For the Super Eagles I wish them the best in Brazil 2014 because I know they will do very well and I will be there rooting for them all the way.”