Balogun Explains Why Super Eagles Struggled Against DRC & It's Not About The Pitch

Brighton & Hove newbie Leon Balogun has explained why the national team struggled in their friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, and has omitted the fact that they played on a terrible Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium pitch.

According to Balogun, the Super Eagles held five gruesome training sessions before the match with the Leopards which made them fatigued and they could not put in their best performance.

''If you think about the fact that most of the players were very tired today from last day's training, then the performance was all right,'' Balogun told allnigeriasoccer.com post-match on Monday.

''Of course, there's always room for improvement, but this has been the first game after a long and hard week of training, so I think we can be satisfied with the outcome.''

Balogun says he is looking forward to the World Cup but his immediate focus is on the upcoming friendly against England at Wembley.

''I am very excited, it's getting closer, closer and closer. For now, I am just looking forward to the next preparation match which is England. This is also an amazing atmosphere, scenery of the stadium of Wembley.

''I am sure once we get to Russia the goose bumps and all the excitement will be released,'' he said.

On his targets and message for Nigerians : ''To be as successful as possible. My message to Nigerians is to thank you for all the support you have given us so far, and continue believing us. Give us your prayers and hopefully we can reward you. ''

Balogun was substituted after 65 minutes in yesterday's friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel