Russia 2018: Leon Balogun Singles Out The Most Important Factor That Will Make Eagles Succeed
Published: May 07, 2018
The Super Eagles have been hit by an injury crisis seven days before manager Gernot Rohr must announce a 35-man provisional roster for the 2018 World Cup, and Mainz 05 star Leon Balogun has stated that the team will only do well in Russia if the players are in tip-top condition.
Balogun, himself, is still undergoing rehabilitation following a rib injury and the likes of Henry Onyekuru, Tyronne Ebuehi, Joel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi have been absent for their respective clubs with varying ailments.
Apart from the German-born center back, the explanation for these injuries is as a result of the Super Eagles stars playing too many games for their clubs, for example, Onyekuru had played 28 games for Anderlecht as at December 2017 before his spell on the sidelines.
''We have a team capable of doing well in Russia and this team can perform to expectations if we have everyone in great shape," Leon Balogun told BBC Sport.
"As a professional you don't think so much about getting injured or avoiding it, you just give everything on the pitch for club and country.
"I know injuries come with football and if we are very lucky not have it, then all the players in Nigerian colours have the spirit to fight for success until the end."
Balogun was unlucky not to be named in Nigeria's squad list for the 2014 World Cup after sustaining an injury on his debut against Mexico, but believes he will travel to Russia despite his persistent injury problems.
Igho Kingsley
Balogun, himself, is still undergoing rehabilitation following a rib injury and the likes of Henry Onyekuru, Tyronne Ebuehi, Joel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi have been absent for their respective clubs with varying ailments.
Apart from the German-born center back, the explanation for these injuries is as a result of the Super Eagles stars playing too many games for their clubs, for example, Onyekuru had played 28 games for Anderlecht as at December 2017 before his spell on the sidelines.
''We have a team capable of doing well in Russia and this team can perform to expectations if we have everyone in great shape," Leon Balogun told BBC Sport.
"As a professional you don't think so much about getting injured or avoiding it, you just give everything on the pitch for club and country.
"I know injuries come with football and if we are very lucky not have it, then all the players in Nigerian colours have the spirit to fight for success until the end."
Balogun was unlucky not to be named in Nigeria's squad list for the 2014 World Cup after sustaining an injury on his debut against Mexico, but believes he will travel to Russia despite his persistent injury problems.
Igho Kingsley
Latest News
- Bayo Fapetu: Derby County in contract talks with midfielder who was on the books of Arsenal for ten years
- Photo: Eberechi Eze takes son of ex-Super Eagles star Victor Moses under his wing at Crystal Palace
- Osimhen's replacement: Napoli contact Man Utd over signing one-cap England international
- Official: Millwall release three Nigerian players ahead of next season
- Rangers boss provides fitness update on Super Eagles CB ahead of Scottish FA Cup final v Celtic
- Ex-Celtic midfielder tears into Dessers after close-range miss in Rangers' six-goal thriller v Hearts
- Birmingham City exercise option to extend contract of son of former Super Eagles midfielder
- Invincibles: Victor Boniface on target as Bayer Leverkusen match Arsenal and Juventus feat
- U17 WWCQ Nigeria 6 Burkina Faso 0: Harmony Chidi's hat-trick inspires Flamingos to victory
- Isaac Success and Nollywood beauty Caroline Igben to wed on June 8, a day after Super Eagles v Bafana Bafana
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football